Trends and Patterns of Artificial Intelligence Research in Libraries: A Bibliometric Analysis

This research embarks on a bibliometric journey to delineate the evolution, trends and thematic territories of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in library science from 2018 to 2022. Utilising Scopus as the foundational data source, we employed a suite of bibliometric instruments – citation analysis, collaboration network examination and thematic mapping – to dissect publication dynamics, authorship patterns, and thematic progressions within the domain. Our exploration reveals an ascending trajectory in AI research outputs, spotlighting pivotal advancements in information retrieval, knowledge organisation and user-centric services in libraries. The analysis underscores the imperative for interdisciplinary collaboration, spotlighting how it fuels the progression of AI in library science, with ethical considerations and the anticipation of longitudinal impacts forming crucial research vectors. We unearthed significant research clusters, identifying emergent themes that promise to shape the future discourse of AI applications in library contexts. Notably, our findings advocate for a paradigm shift towards integrating AI to navigate the challenges of digital information management, enhance user engagement, and foster innovative service delivery in libraries. This study, through its comprehensive bibliometric analysis, not only enriches the theoretical discourse surrounding AI’s role in transforming libraries but also delivers practical insights for librarians, researchers, and policymakers. It charts a strategic course for future investigations, emphasising the importance of embracing emerging AI technologies to sustain the relevance and efficiency of libraries in the digital age. This research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on the transformative potential of AI in libraries, offering a lens through which future research directions and strategic decisions can be discerned.