There are speculations that conventional libraries will no longer run and go extinct if they do not diversify their activities from manual to smart technologies. The emerging technologies have made information professionals refer to the library as smart libraries. The influx of emerging technology has compelled librarians and patrons to search for fast and easy access to information in their time of need.
This gave credence to the usefulness of Artificial Intelligence applications for library services. AI is defined as using computer algorithms that think, work and react like a human being. Different fields have already deployed AI for exponential growth; however, libraries worldwide have been experimenting with this technology for the last two decades to use it in the era of information and communication technologies. AI has been used in the advanced world to enhance staff job capacities, bridging the knowledge gap and meeting customer demands. Developing countries like Pakistan still need to decide whether to use it.
AI is the most productive technology for commercial and research applications and is becoming increasingly important. AI is used to predict customer behaviour, improve products, keep track of inventory, and analyze Big Data. There are several ways to include AI in library operations, especially in data analysis, making the library a centre for research activities using Big Data, supporting remote access to library services, and performing the routine tasks that now require a human being to reach advanced research with in-depth expertise.
Still, AI is believed to be a formidable and co-disciplinary approach to understanding. Librarians in Pakistan must ensure AI for fast and quality services and reach the patrons who need more time to visit the library physically.
Libraries in advanced countries have entered the Fourth Industrial Revolution and are developing diverse technologies to empower the library with rich collections and modern services. Upon the arrival of AI in library operations, librarians now provide a growing array of digital services and resources. It is no longer news that AI will become part of library operations, but now we are living in the real world where the use of advanced technologies is considered. Now we have arrived at a stage where what we heard in science fiction is becoming a reality.
The exceeded volume of books is no longer controllable to purchase each title in this age of financial crunch. Everything has been made possible by AI; now, patrons can access enormous resources instead of physically visiting the library. The widespread use of mobile phones has made it possible to access resources on anywhere and anytime basis.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to remote access and digital platforms due to the advancement of AI. It has experimented that integrating AI into library operations and services will be a windfall for professionals working in different spheres. Most libraries use AI for complete technical services that require a massive team. The important thing of AI in library operations is correct metadata for the available information. Now AI replaced human work by putting metadata of extensive volumes in a few hours. In most libraries, AI is used to improve device performance, manage facial recognition, do an image search and provide virtual assistant services with the help of SIRI, Alexa and Google Assistant. Chat-bot feature, Chat GPT and GPS has become the need of the hours, which are robust applications of AI in this present age of information technologies.
The Turnitin application is a common type of AI for similarity index and has been brought into use for the last few years in library operations. Other popular search engines like Ebscohost search discovery have been deployed in collective searches. Now people can discover all their belongings in a single search engine. Other services like the Internet of Things, Big Data, Blockchain Technologies and Virtual reality services have been integrated into the libraries of advanced countries.
Some obstacles are associated with AI in library operations, like lack of finance, shortage of skilled labourers, insufficient power supply, slow speed of internet, copyright and licence problems, unemployment, and so on; AI greatly influences library operations. Some other obstacles to AI are libraries which need more information communication technologies and digital resilience in the libraries.
Still, AI is believed to be a formidable and co-disciplinary approach to understanding. Librarians in Pakistan must ensure AI for fast and quality services and reach the patrons who need more time to visit the library physically. AI has already been implemented to support new forms of computational research, discovery and reuse of library collections engagingly. In other words, AI and libraries have a great nexus to empower library operations with quality services. Dave Waters rightly said, “If people trust artificial intelligence (AI) to drive a car, people will most likely trust AI to do your job.”
