Perceived benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and service delivery at Hezekiah Olusanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State, Nigeria

This study examines the perceived benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and service delivery at Hezekiah Olusanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The study population was one hundred and twenty-two (122) library staff, and due to the small size of the population, total enumeration was used as the sample size. The data were collected via questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to test the hypothesis with the aid of SPSS 22 software. The findings revealed that there are low levels of AI awareness and readiness among library staff in Nigerian institutions. The major challenges identified include limited ICT infrastructure, inadequate funding, and fear of job loss due to automation. The results further suggested that AI could optimise tasks in cataloguing, reference services, and user support, yet significant barriers exist, such as funding, skills gaps, and unreliable power. The study concludes that for AI to have a meaningful impact on library service delivery, institutions must address these additional factors to ensure successful implementation and optimal utilization. Recommendations call for improved budgeting, attitudinal shifts, and staff training to support AI integration, positioning academic libraries to better serve the research community, and adapting to global standards.