Academic librarians' perceptions of new skills, competencies and professional development needs in the AI age

Purpose This study examined academic librarians' perceptions of new skills and competencies, use of AI tools and professional development needs. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was distributed via professional networks, and data were collected and analysed from 155 valid respondents across Australia, European countries and the USA. Findings The findings demonstrate that the highly ranked new skills needed by academic librarians included AI tools and output evaluation, application of data governance and management, AI literacy instruction and integration of AI into curricula. The new competencies consisted of ethical implementation and governance, critical analysis and evaluation of AI tools and AI literacy and conceptual understanding of AI. AI tools could be used to improve information service provisions through responsible and ethical information management and discovery. Key training and knowledge areas included critical evaluation of AI-generated content. Hands-on tutorials with case studies and in-person or hybrid workshops were the most suitable training formats. Practical implications The findings are helpful and practical for academic librarians to develop new skills and competencies and support professional development and curriculum renewal. Originality/value The new contribution of this study lies in the identification of important new skills and competencies that academic librarians need to utilise AI tools in a successful way, mitigate associated potential risks and adapt to changing professional roles.