Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging disruptive technology that has vast applications in almost every field. Libraries are also greatly adopting this technology while designing their services, resources and infrastructure. This study aims to determine the adoption of AI to develop sustainable library services in university libraries of Pakistan.
The conceptual framework was developed using the technology acceptance model and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). Moreover, the study used a quantitative survey method for data collection. Data were collected from 150 library professionals from the public and private sector university libraries of Pakistan. The data were analyzed by partial least structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Library size (LS), staff expertise (SE), technical influence (Tech-I) and budget potentially influence the adoption of artificial intelligence in libraries, which in turn has an influence on the sustainability of library services (SLS). However, the strongest factor appeared to be budget, and then, technological infrastructure and expertise of the staff. The size of the library, however, produced a weak, statistically insignificant effect. The results show that the use of AI in Pakistani university libraries is mainly based on financial ability and access to technology and human resources, but not the size of the library. With the development of AI usage, libraries can make a rapid increase in terms of infrastructure, employee development and sustainable financial frameworks.
This study investigates AI adoption in a developing country context like Pakistan. The findings help to understand the possibilities as well as challenges of applying AI-related technologies in university libraries.
