Librarians’ propensity to use AI technologies for knowledge sharing in Nigeria based on technology acceptance model

Purpose This study investigates librarians’ propensity to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for knowledge sharing practices in Nigeria based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study examines librarians’ awareness, perceived level of usefulness and ease of use of these tools for knowledge sharing. Methodology A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 102 librarians who attended the 2024 Nigerian Library Association (NLA) Information Technology Section Conference, held at the University of Abuja from October 8 to 13, 2024. A purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents who were members of the conference’s professional WhatsApp group. Data were collected using a self-developed, structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 22). Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages were used to summarize and interpret the data, while tables and charts were employed to present the findings. Results Findings showed that of the 102 respondents, 44 (43.1%) were female, while 58 (56.9%) were male. Majority of the librarians 96 (94.12%) are aware of AI technologies such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and chatbots, 97 (95.10%) had knowledge of AI applications in enhancing knowledge-sharing practices and 93 (91.18%) are aware of AI tools facilitating communication. Results of perceived usefulness indicated a high level of usefulness with 96.1% acknowledging the relevance of AI tools and 88.24% agreed to the ease of use of AI tools for knowledge sharing, indicating a high perceived ease of use. Conclusion The study concluded that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were strong predictors of technology acceptance in organizational settings. Consequently, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is reaffirmed as a robust framework for explaining librarians’ intentions to adopt AI-powered technologies for knowledge-sharing.