An Investigation of Artificial Intelligence as a New Frontier for Cataloguing and Classification: A Case of Selected Public Academic Libraries in Copperbelt Province

This study will investigates the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool for cataloguing and classification in selected academic libraries in Copperbelt Province, Zambia. As academic libraries face increasing pressure to modernize their services and handle growing volumes of information, AI presents opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, and user experience in bibliographic processes. Drawing on both global and regional literature, the study explores the extent of AI adoption, its impact on cataloguing accuracy and consistency, and the challenges and opportunities it presents. A descriptive research design will be employed, targeting 100 librarians from public academic libraries registered by the Higher Education Authority. Data will be collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using SPSS Version 22. The findings are expected to provide practical insights for library professionals, policymakers, and educational institutions seeking to optimize library operations through AI integration, while also addressing concerns around infrastructure, ethics, and institutional readiness.