Information specialists' attitudes towards the use of artificial intelligence technologies in the Central Library of the Northern Technical University and its branch libraries

Abstract

This field study aims to uncover the attitudes of information specialists towards employing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the Central Library of the Northern Technical University and its branch libraries, and to determine their awareness of AI's potential to improve professional performance and keep pace with digital transformations in the academic environment. To achieve the research objectives, a descriptive-analytical approach was adopted, utilizing an electronic questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. The sample consisted of 20 specialists and staff members working in the libraries under study during the period 2020-2021. The field results revealed a high level of awareness and knowledge of AI tools among the sample, with 72.7% of respondents indicating actual use of these technologies in library work. However, this use is characterized by limited diversity and a strong focus on the ChatGPT tool (81.8%). Furthermore, the study revealed that the primary sources of knowledge regarding these technologies are training courses and social media platforms (36.4% each).

 In terms of application areas, the results showed that current employment is primarily concentrated in direct services such as archiving and reference services (27.3% each), while its use in technical procedures such as cataloging and classification is less common. Despite the study revealing positive trends and a high level of professional readiness among information specialists to adopt modern technologies, and an awareness among the majority of the sample (90.9%) of the future impact of artificial intelligence on the nature of the profession, several obstacles hinder its comprehensive implementation. These include weak specialized training programs (36.4%), inadequate technological infrastructure (27.3%), and insufficient administrative support and targeted institutional policies (18.2%). Based on these findings, the study recommended the necessity of developing clear institutional strategies to support digital transformation, upgrading infrastructure, and organizing practical and continuous training courses to develop the skills of human resources. This would ensure the expansion of smart applications to encompass all reference and technical processes within university libraries.