The adoption, awareness and perception of artificial intelligence in academic libraries in Nigeria: A literature-based study

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology that has impacted positively in all aspects of human life. AI subsystem Expert System (ES) particularly provides series of functions, such as automation, acquisition, cataloguing, classification, etc. that are core tasks of academic libraries. In this regard, this study investigates the adoption, perception, awareness among librarians in Nigeria academic libraries, as well the challenges hindering effective implementation of AI adoption in Nigeria academic libraries. The study adopted a literature-based approach that reviewed empirical, conceptual and theoretical studies from 2017 to 2024. The analysis reveals that librarians demonstrate high level of awareness and, have both negative and positive perception of AI technologies, the adoption of AI remains relatively low due to inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, fear of job loss, lack of skilled personnel, etc. The study recommended the inclusion of AI in university strategic plans, capacity-building programmes for librarians, and adequate investment in digital infrastructure, etc. to promote adoption and implementation of AI in Nigeria academic libraries.