Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Academic Libraries: A Theoretical Study

Introduction

The main objective of artificial intelligence (AI), a branch of computational science, is to enable robots to respond to complex problems in a manner similar to that of humans. In order to provide an output or result, computers may comprehend and interpret human cognitive traits when they are appropriated, modeled, and incorporated as algorithms. From a conceptual standpoint, artificial intelligence can be understood as a neural network—a network of synthetic neurons or nodes that replicates the biological functions of neurons in humans. It was created in a manner to mimic the way human brain activity is structurally organized. As they go from one neural network to the next, they collectively produce well-informed conclusions. It makes educated estimates while processing data, modeling biological processes. Thus, neural networks represent a particular type of machine learning system, or artificial intelligence system. The science of artificial intelligence was founded in the 1950s, and libraries began to use it in the 1990s.

In the twenty-first century, an era of rapid change and technological progress, organizations and institutions must adapt to changing technologies to meet the needs of their end users. Libraries can benefit from artificial intelligence by using cutting-edge technologies that allow robots to recognize, understand, behave, learn, and carry out administrative tasks. Artificial intelligence is essentially a collection of techniques that make this possible. Using cutting-edge technologies for purposes other than information distribution is a hallmark of the librarian profession. The newest developing trend in libraries is artificial intelligence. The information-driven industries like law, health, commerce, the auto industry, etc., artificial intelligence has shown to be a game-changer.

Artificial intelligence is a wider and comprehensive field of study that is often difficult for non-specialists to understand without some basic knowledge. AI has created new opportunities for all disciplines of study advancement. Researchers are currently working on developing new systems that can simulate the mental processes of librarians and exhibit hitherto unattainable human characteristics. Technologically speaking, IT equipment, computer systems, and other gadgets are progressively getting more sophisticated and designed with human-like reasoning and functionality. This awareness of human intelligence (HI) is also evolving into artificial intelligence (AI). To create an intelligent system, implicit human knowledge must be retrieved. This means that before creating an AI device, pertinent traits and information must be gleaned from human specialists; these traits and information are frequently heuristic in nature. Applications and uses for computer-based goods and services include a range of library operations procedures, the provision of diverse library services, and the creation of output products. Artificial intelligence applications will assist in simulating human decision-making. AI technologies are used by library intelligent systems to deliver knowledge-based services to users (Asemi and Asemi, 2018).

The library should embrace and implement artificial intelligence, as it is a widely accepted technology. Its adoption in libraries is doing well, particularly in South Asia. The majority of the time, academic libraries employ these intelligent systems by implementing a variety of library procedures. Rather than focusing on its technological innovations, the main applications of AI demonstrate its true value for our society. Automating human work is what artificial intelligence applications aim to accomplish. Many people have only recently come to realize that machines are capable of performing tasks that humans find challenging, such self-driving cars or interpretation (ALA, 2019). This also holds true for the availability and utilization of library information resources and services, as the goals and objectives of the library can greatly benefit from the application of artificial intelligence and its components.