Librarians in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

In the age of artificial intelligence, libraries and librarians are undergoing profound transformations in their missions, competencies, and professional roles. This conceptual paper examines how key 21st-century socio-technological trends – particularly the rise of artificial intelligence and changing labour market demands – are reshaping the ways in which libraries support education, research, and community engagement. Drawing on international policy documents and scholarly literature, complemented by illustrative examples of library practice, the paper analyses three interrelated dimensions: librarians’ professional attitudes towards technological change, the development of digital and AI-related competencies, and their emerging role as educational mediators. The analysis highlights the importance of librarians’ competencies, professional attitudes, and continuous professional development alongside technological infrastructure in shaping the integration of artificial intelligence into library services. The paper argues that libraries are emerging as human-centred, adaptive learning environments in which technological innovation is aligned with ethical, social, and educational values. By positioning librarians as key actors in mediating technological change, the study contributes to the ongoing redefinition of librarianship in an AI-driven world.