Appropriation of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic libraries: a scoping review

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as both a disruptive and innovative technology in the twenty-first century. Consequently, it is being appropriated in a wide range of fields to improve decision making and increase efficiencies. Several studies have discussed a range of opportunities that AI holds for academic libraries. However, there is scant literature that synthesises current practices on the appropriation and use of AI in academic libraries with a view to providing guidelines for AI use and appropriation. This study used a scoping review method to understand how AI is being appropriated in academic libraries. The technology appropriation model was used as a theoretical and analytical lens to understand the potential use of AI in academic libraries. The scoping review was based on the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of literature was conducted in EBSCO’s Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA); Proquest’s Library and Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), and Google Scholar. The findings show that academic libraries are appropriating and using AI to enhance a wide range of library services that include resource discovery by embedding AI interfaces into library systems, allowing patrons to search using natural language. Some libraries are using recommender systems based on machine learning and algorithms to inform their acquisitions and collection development, including weeding processes. The reviewed studies also showed the potential use of optical character readers in the creation of metadata to digitise library collections.