Generative artificial intelligence in library and information science literature: a structured systematic review

The rapid advancement in generative artificial intelligence (GAI) has significant implications for libraries and information services, yet a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on this topic remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate and synthesize current literature on the application of GAI in library and information services. Using the SPAR-4-SLR method, a structured systematic literature review was conducted following the TCM (theory, context, method) framework. Seventeen relevant articles were analyzed to identify key trends, theoretical foundations and methodological approaches. The findings reveal a predominant reliance on qualitative studies, with many contributions lacking a strong theoretical foundation. This atheoretical orientation highlights a gap in the conceptual understanding of GAI’s role within the field. The findings also suggest that most studies are stem from academic library settings. Given these insights, this study recommends future research directions for library science professionals, emphasizing the need for theory-driven investigations and diverse methodological approaches. These findings advance knowledge on GAI’s integration into library and information services while guiding future scholarly inquiries.