AWARENESS AND PERCEPTIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND AI POWERED CHAT-BOTS AMONG LIBRARY PROFESSIONALS OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly AI-powered chat-bots, is transforming modern academic libraries and influencing the professional practices of library professionals. This study investigates the awareness and perceptions of AI-powered chat-bots among library professionals in academic libraries across Pakistan, focusing on five constructs: Decision Making, Individual and Organizational Performance, Creativity Capacity, and Capability. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and data were collected through Google Forms and social media platforms from library professionals, including library staff members, assistant librarians, deputy librarians, and chief librarians working in twelve universities across Pakistan. A total of 450 questionnaires were distributed, of which 415 responses were received and 400 valid responses were retained for analysis. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that AI-powered chat-bots positively influence library professionals' Capability, Capacity, Decision Making, and Individual and Organizational Performance. However, the findings also indicate that AI-powered chat-bots negatively influence creativity. This study contributes to the understanding of AI adoption in Pakistan's academic libraries by highlighting its implications for the four specified constructs. The findings provide valuable insights for academic library administrators and library professionals regarding the integration of AI-powered chat-bots into contemporary library practices.