AI algorithm bias awareness, ethical concerns and use of AI for information retrieval among LIS students in Nigeria

Background The increasing use of AI tools for information retrieval (IR) among students raises both ethical concerns and the need to examine their awareness of the potential algorithm bias that characterizes AI-enabled IR systems. Purpose The study investigated AI algorithm bias awareness and ethical concern as predictors of use of AI for information retrieval among LIS students in Nigeria. Research Design The study employed the descriptive type of correlational research design, based on its ability to describe the variables of the study and ascertain the relationship that existed among them. Study Sample A total of 213 respondents were selected for the study using the accidental sampling technique of the nonprobability type. Data Collection The instrument used for data collection was a self-developed structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was converted to an online survey using Google Forms to elicit data from the respondents for a period of four weeks. Data analysis The collected data were analysed using descriptive (frequencies, mean and standard deviation) and inferential (PPMC and multiple regression) statistics and with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Results Findings revealed a significant relationship among AI algorithm bias awareness, ethical concerns and use of AI for information retrieval among LIS students in Nigeria. The study also showed a high level of LIS students` awareness of the potential bias in AI algorithm in information retrieval. In spite of this, the study recorded that the level of LIS students’ use of AI for information retrieval is high. Conclusions The study concluded that the structure and content of LIS curriculum in Nigeria exposes the students to the rudiments of ICT application to librarianship, putting them at a position of knowledge-advantage.