Librarians’ behavior toward AI technology in academic libraries of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: a UTAUT-based study

Although substantial research has been conducted on AI in academic libraries in developed countries, a significant research gap persists in developing countries such as Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, where empirical evidence remains limited. The study aimed to examine librarians’ behavior toward AI technology in academic libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Based on the theoretical framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), a quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed using a structured questionnaire. Data were gathered from a total of 176 (92.63%) academic librarians across 43 public and private sector universities in the province. For data analysis, SPSS version 27 was used for demographic information and the regression model, while SmartPLS 4.1.2.1 was used to assess the relationship between dependent and independent variables through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that facilitating conditions (FC) have a strong and statistically significant positive effect on behavior intention (BI) (β = 0.592, t = 4.516, p = 0.000). Similarly, Performance expectancy (PE) also has a positive and statistically significant impact on the behavioral intentions of academic librarians, which ultimately leads to the acceptance of the hypothesis (β = 0.129, t = 2.104, p = 0.035). However, Effort expectancy demonstrates weak and statistically insignificant relations with Behavior Intentions (BI), resulting in the rejection of this hypothesis. BI (β = 0.185, t = 1.511, p = 0.131). The result affirms that academic librarians perceive AI as the more beneficial technology for library operations. The results offer empirical suggestions for university administrators, policymakers, and library managers concerning how to enhance the implementation of AI in academic libraries by investing in digital infrastructure, professional training, and institutional support, while also providing insights that could be included in the strategies for implementing AI in academic libraries in other developing nations.