Perceptions on adopting artificial intelligence and related technologies in libraries: public and academic librarians in North America

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
JungWon Yoon ◽  
James E. Andrews ◽  
Heather L. Ward

PurposeThis study aims to understand how artificial Intelligence (AI) and related technologies are currently being utilized in public and academic libraries and how librarians perceive the adoption of new technologies in their relative libraries.Design/methodology/approachUsing an online survey questionnaire, the authors collected survey responses from both public and academic librarians that were subscribed to information science-centered listservs in North America. The quantitative survey responses (N = 242) were measured through use of multiple chi-square tests and crosstab analyses.FindingsThe current use and awareness of AI and related technologies were more reported from academic librarians; however, public librarians' reported perceptions on such technologies were generally more positive. In all, 67% of them responded that AI and related technologies will transform the library's functions, and 68% of librarians reported that they are interested in training. This study discussed the significance of training for preparing librarians for AI and related technologies and the further examination on the role of librarians in the new era.Originality/valueThis study examined public and academic librarians' perceptions toward the adoption of six emerging technologies which often appear in the LIS literature as well as addressed as the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 469-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Yousuf Ali ◽  
Joanna Richardson

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of information literacy (IL) skills competency among university library professionals in Karachi, Pakistan and to address areas of concern. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was designed, using Google Forms, to collect data from 77 academic librarians working in 25 universities in Karachi, Pakistan. The questions covered six generic attributes: library systems, information resources, searching techniques, research support, IL and generic/personal attributes. Findings The results indicate that the librarians who were surveyed had good IL skills in information searching and locating information resources. However, the average of all survey responses was 54.17 per cent, with 12 of the 24 competencies receiving scores of less than 50 per cent, thus indicating a generally overall low level of IL competency in the workplace. Research limitations/implications As the study was limited to universities in Karachi, it would be useful to apply the same methodology to other administrative units within the country. Further research is indicated on the potential impact of gender on aspects such as level of IL skills and motivation to enhance workplace competencies. Practical implications The authors have suggested a number of strategies, which would be applicable globally to any university library wishing to improve the IL skills competencies of its staff. Originality/value There have been no previous published, non-discipline-specific, research studies on the IL skills competencies of academic librarians in Pakistan.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamima Yesmin ◽  
S.M. Zabed Ahmed

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate Library and Information Science (LIS) students’ understanding of infodemic and related terminologies and their ability to categorize COVID-19-related problematic information types using examples from social media platforms. Design/methodology/approach The participants of this study were LIS students from a public-funded university located at the south coast of Bangladesh. An online survey was conducted which, in addition to demographic and study information, asked students to identify the correct definition of infodemic and related terminologies and to categorize the COVID-related problematic social media posts based on their inherent problem characteristics. The correct answer for each definition and task question was assigned a score of “1”, whereas the wrong answer was coded as “0”. The percentages of correctness score for total and each category of definition and task-specific questions were computed. The independent sample t-test and ANOVA were run to examine the differences in total and category-specific scores between student groups. Findings The findings revealed that students’ knowledge concerning the definition of infodemic and related terminologies and the categorization of COVID-19-related problematic social media posts was poor. There was no significant difference in correctness scores between student groups in terms of gender, age and study levels. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time an effort was made to understand LIS students’ recognition and classification of problematic information. The findings can assist LIS departments in revising and improving the existing information literacy curriculum for students.


2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 499-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shri Ram ◽  
John Paul Anbu K.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to have a closer look at the awareness of referencing utilities among the library professionals in India. In a research environment, referencing and bibliography play an important role in the dissemination of research findings through scholarly writings. Citing references while writing scholarly articles has become more eloquent mainly due to the availability of a range of bibliography management utilities. Currently, there are various types of Bibliography Management Software (BMS) available for the management of the citation, referencing and compiling bibliographies. Librarians have a crucial role to play in helping the faculty, students and research scholars in the process of writing their scholarly articles and theses, especially in the area of referencing. Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted through an online survey with an aim to assess the perception, awareness and use of BMS by the Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in India. Findings – In the academic environment, published results of research findings are crucial for the advancement of knowledge. The published research findings are often supported and disputed using the citation of previous studies. There are a number of supporting technologies that are intended to help in procuring needed citations and streamlining them for better research output. The role of the librarian in this endeavor is undisputed. This study shows that there is a need for strengthening the awareness of BMS at the institutional level and also hands-on experience is needed for library professionals to help in the process of research writing and advocate for adopting correct referencing style (citation style) while writing scholarly articles. Practical implications – The increased use of information and communication technology in the process of scholarly writing, especially in the search and retrieval of relevant articles and the availability of electronic journals and books, have resulted in an increased number of research articles being written by research scholars. The downside to this overflow of scholarly and creative writing is the incorrect way of using referencing style in the dissemination of research and the possibilities of malpractice and plagiarism. This study will help in creating awareness of the utility of citation and BMS in content writing, especially among library and information professionals, as they play an important role in facilitating research. Social implications – This study will be beneficial for the LIS professionals in understanding the effectiveness of their services when complemented by the use of technology-powered tools. Creating awareness of the use of BMS in content development in scholarly communication promises to create a flawless scholarly output as library professionals will help researchers in guiding research writings with correct referencing and citation. Originality/value – Use of BMS helps in the development of content in an organized, methodical and scientific way. The role of library and information professionals working with different researchers and scholars in advocating and practicing the use of BMS will go a long way in creating more streamlined content.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 42-48
Author(s):  
Yulia Matyuk

The article analyzes the risks and new opportunities that arise before man and modern society in the light of the development of artificial intelligence and robotics in the conditions of the fourth industrial revolution. The rapid development of AI indicates the absence of uniform approaches to assessing the risks and prospects associated with the use of AI. Using PESTEL analysis, the article examines the key areas of interaction between AI and humans, new challenges and prospects that open to humanity in the era of new technologies.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (71) ◽  
pp. 55-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Gustavo Corvalán

This article addresses the impact of the digital era and it specifically refers to information and communication technologies (ICT) in Public Administration. It is based on the international approach and underscores the importance of incorporating new technologies established by the United Nations and the Organization of American States. Thereon, it highlights the Argentine Republic national approach towards ICT, and how it has moved towards a digital paradigm. It then emphasizes on the challenges and opportunities that emerge from the impact that artificial intelligence has in transforming Public Administration. Finally, it concludes that the key challenge of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is to achieve a boost towards a Digital and Intelligent Administration and government, which promotes the effectiveness of rights and an inclusive technological development that assures the digital dignity of people.  


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 965-984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Bienhaus ◽  
Abubaker Haddud

Purpose While digitisation is a key driver of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0); organisations have different approaches to deal with this topic to get a clearer picture of the opportunities and challenges concerning the digital transformation. The purpose of this paper is to identify the impact of digitisation on procurement and its role within the area of supply chain management. The research will also explore potential barriers to digitising procurement and supply chains and ways to overcome them. Finally, the significance of potential enabling technologies to the digitisation will also be examined. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approached utilising an online survey was used to collect the primary data for this study. Data were collected from 414 participants directly involved with procurement or related business functions and work for different organisations in different industries. The survey included eight items about the impact of digitisation on organisational performance in the area of procurement and supply chains; ten items related to key barriers to digitisation of organisations and ways to overcome them; and seven items about enabling technologies to leverage procurement procedures and processes digitisation. All of these items utilised the Likert five-point level of agreement scale. Findings The findings indicate that digitisation of procurement process can yield several benefits including: supporting daily business and administrative tasks, supporting complex decision-making processes, procurement will become more focussed on strategic decisions and activities, procurement will become a strategic interface to support organisational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability, and supporting the creation of new business models, products, and services. The authors were also able to confirm that there are barriers to digitising procurement process and supply chains and such barriers found in existing procedures, processes, capacities, and capabilities. Finally, the significance of a number of enabling technologies to the digitisation process was revealed. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind with participants located world-wide. Industry 4.0 as a topic had been explored within different business areas and functions but very limited research specifically explored potential impact, barriers, and enabling technologies of procurement 4.0. The results can be beneficial for organisations already implemented Industry 4.0 or planning to do so. The study can also benefit academic scholars interested in the researched topic, business professionals, organisations within different sectors, and any other party interested in understanding more the concept of procurement 4.0.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 854-887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel R. Evans ◽  
Anil Mathur

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed and critical look at the evolution of online survey research since Evans and Mathur’s (2005) article on the value of online surveys. At that time, online survey research was in its early stages. Also covered are the present and future states of online research. Many conclusions and recommendations are presented. Design/methodology/approach The look back focuses on online surveys, strengths and weaknesses of online surveys, the literature on several aspects of online surveys and online survey best practices. The look ahead focuses on emerging survey technologies and methodologies, and new non-survey technologies and methodologies. Conclusions and recommendations are provided. Findings Online survey research is used more frequently and better accepted by researchers than in 2005. Yet, survey techniques are still regularly transformed by new technologies. Non-survey digital research is also more prominent than in 2005 and can better track actual behavior than surveys can. Hybrid surveys will be widespread in the future. Practical implications The paper aims to provide insights for researchers with different levels of online survey experience. And both academics and practitioners should gain insights. Social implications Adhering to a strong ethics code is vital to gain respondents’ trust and to produce valid results. Originality/value Conclusions and recommendations are offered in these specific areas: defining concepts, understanding the future role of surveys, developing and implementing surveys and a survey code of ethics. The literature review cites more than 200 sources.


2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Fan ◽  
Bing Han ◽  
Wei Gao ◽  
Wenqian Li

PurposeThis study serves two purposes: (1) to evaluate the effects of organizational ambidexterity by examining how the balanced and the combined sales–service configurations of chatbots differ in their abilities to enhance customer experience and patronage and (2) to apply information boundary theory to assess the contingent role that chatbot sales–service ambidexterity can play in adapting to customers' personalization–privacy paradox.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey of artificial intelligence chatbots users was conducted, and a mixed-methods research design involving response surface analysis and polynomial regression was adopted to address the research aim.FindingsThe results of polynomial regressions on survey data from 507 online customers indicated that as the benefits of personalization decreased and the risk to privacy increased, the inherently negative (positive) effects of imbalanced (combined) chatbots' sales–service ambidexterity had an increasing (decreasing) influence on customer experience. Furthermore, customer experience fully mediated the association of chatbots' sales–service ambidexterity with customer patronage.Originality/valueFirst, this study enriches the literature on frontline ambidexterity and extends it to the setting of human–machine interaction. Second, the study contributes to the literature on the personalization–privacy paradox by demonstrating the importance of frontline ambidexterity for adapting to customer concerns. Third, the study examines the conduit between artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots' ambidexterity and sales performance, thereby helping to reconcile the previously inconsistent evidence regarding this relationship.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abid Hussain

Purpose Industry 4.0 is a term for the so-called Fourth Industrial revolutions. It is the technological integration of cyber-physical systems (CPS) in the process of production. CPS enables internet-based process networking with all participants in the process of value creation. The industrial revolution is actually changing how we live, work and communicate. Many trades have highly been affected by 4IR, libraries are one of them. The libraries of twenty-first century are shifting their paradigms from traditional setup to modern information networking. As people and machines are connecting to each other at enormous speed, artificial intelligence, mobile computing, machine learning and automation of every trade have become a need of the day. Automation and artificial intelligence are change agents in 4IR that will make certain groups of employees redundant, replacing them with new workers with the needed skills or with machines that do the job cheaper. This paper aims to shed light on how the 4IR will “shape the future of education, gender, work and library services”. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the challenges being faced by the library and librarians in the age of Industrial 4.0 revolution in contemporary society. The purpose of this study is to review the past literature on Industrial Revolutions 4.0 in education and interlink them with Library services. Design/methodology/approach The current study performs a systematic and content-centric review of literature relevant to library services. The literature of this study is based on a six-stage approach to identify the design principles and technology trends of 4IR in education and Library services. Findings Industry 4.0 Revolution is the current trend of revolutionary technology, which has affected many services in this age of globalization. Similar, Library services have highly been affected by 4IR. An effort has been made to highlight the vari-ous challenges being faced by libraries and librarians in this age of information. Some solutions have been presented to the library professionals to overcome this technology to boost its services up to the entire satisfaction of the patrons. Research limitations/implications The strategic approach in this study can serve the academicians and practitioners in the field of librarianship as a stepping stone to develop a successful transition from traditional manufacturing into the industry 4.0. Originality/value The study is among the first to identify the challenges being faced by libraries and librarians in this age of Industrial revolutions.


foresight ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 680-694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinwon Kang ◽  
Jong-Seok Kim ◽  
Seonmi Seol

Purpose The purpose of this study is to reveal the similarities and differences between the manufacturing and service industries in their prioritization of technologies and public research and development (R&D) roles, along with the complementation of properties of technology and public R&D role in the context of Fourth Industrial Revolution. Design/methodology/approach Two rounds of Delphi surveys were designed to meet the purpose of this study, which used rigorous triangulation techniques. The Delphi method was combined with the brainstorming method in the first-round Delphi survey, while the second-round Delphi survey focused on experts’ judgments. Finally, language network analysis was performed on the properties of technology and public R&D roles to complement the data analyses regarding prioritization. Findings This study identifies different prioritizations of five similar key technologies in each industry, so that it can note different technological impacts to the two industries in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Smart factory technology is the first priority in the manufacturing industry, whereas artificial intelligence is the first priority in the service industry. The properties of the three common technologies: artificial intelligence, big data and Internet of things in both industries are summarized in hyper-intelligence on hyper-connectivity. Moreover, it is found that different technological priorities in the service and manufacturing industries require different approaches to public R&D roles, while public R&D roles cover market failure, system failure and government failure. The highest priority public R&D role for the service industry is the emphasis of non-R&D roles. Public R&D role to solve dy-functions, focus basic technologies and support challenging areas of R&D is prioritized at the highest for the manufacturing industry. Originality/value This study of the different prioritizations of technologies in the manufacturing and service industries offers practical lessons for executive officers, managers and policy-makers. They, by noting the different technological impacts in the manufacturing and service industries, can prepare for current actions and establish the priority of technology for R&D influencing the future paths of their industries in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. While managers in the service industry should pay greater attention to the technological content of hyper-intelligence and hyper-connectivity, managers in the manufacturing industry should consider smart factory and robot technology.


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