Artificial intelligence tools and perspectives of university librarians: An overview

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 116-124
Author(s):  
Muhammad Yousuf Ali ◽  
Salaman Bin Naeem ◽  
Rubina Bhatti

The main purpose of this paper is to assess and examine the possible application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in Pakistani academic libraries, particularly those areas of library technical and library user services where AI could be applied in the near future. A secondary purpose is to bring the library perspective on AI to the forefront of the scholarly world. This is a self-exploratory study, in which a qualitative approach interview has been conducted with 10 chief librarians/library heads (5 public + 5 private sectors) from universities regarding their views on the adoption of artificial intelligence tools in Pakistani academic libraries. Results are tabulated in a descriptive format. Librarians are aware of AI technologies. Services based on Natural Language Processing (NLP) are used in libraries, e.g. Google Assistant, Voice Searching, and Google Translate. Pattern recognition methods, such as text data mining, are also used to retrieve library material and conduct online searching. Big data is accessed via services such as cloud computing, OneDrive, and Google Drive. There is a very low level of awareness of robotics and chatbots. This study provides librarians with suggestions as to how AI tools could be used in libraries which either have yet to adopt AI technologies or wish to implement more advanced tools. Pakistani library schools could collaborate with computer science departments to establish AI Labs in the respective library and information science (LIS) departments/libraries. AI challenges funding and technological skills are the key problem to implement with AI in the University Libraries.

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 62-66
Author(s):  
Shilpa Uplaonkar ◽  
Kalikadevi G. Badiger

The present paper focuses on the explore of social media such as Face book, Twitter, Whatsapp, etc. to work as an effective tool for imparting information or knowledge and prove helpful in making awareness among Library and Information Science (LIS) Professionals of University Libraries of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad as most important aspect of social mediaas its emphasis on online collaboration and sharing because it has social networking, user centric characteristics. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire that was circulated among the LIS Professionals of University Libraries of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad randomly. Present article reports the survey of social media, in making awareness among LIS Professionals. Analysis will help the LIS professionals in deriving the benefits of Social media.


2017 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda B. Click ◽  
Claire Walker Wiley ◽  
Meggan Houlihan

This study is a systematic review of the library and information science (LIS) literature related to international students and academic libraries. A systematic review involves the methodical collection and analysis of a body of literature and is growing in popularity in the LIS field. Three well-known LIS databases were systematically searched for articles related to the topic, and manual bibliography searches were conducted to find additional publications. Journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers were included or excluded based on established criteria. Findings show that articles published about international students and academic libraries have increased steadily between 1990 and 2014. The majority of authors are affiliated with universities and institutions in the United States, although an increase in represented countries is apparent. Fewer than half of the articles can be considered original research, and surveys are the most popular method for data collection. The LIS field—and international students—would benefit from further exploration of this topic, particularly from original research with practical implications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-74
Author(s):  
A. Naseer ◽  
B. Mini Devi

Rapid changes in information and communication technology require application of managerial techniques, human resource management and integration of several technologies in library and information Centers. The present research aims at studying the extent of job enlargement in selected eight state university libraries in Kerala. Data of the study was gathered from a total of 266 qualified and permanent library and information science professionals. Analysis of data was done using SPSS and Micro Soft excel. The important finding of the research is that there is no significant level of job enlargement among library and information science professionals. It also finds that job enlargement situation of libraries in the universities in Kerala is low and different. The study reveals that there is significant variation in the level of job enlargement among the university libraries in Kerala. The highest level of job enlargement is found in Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady followed by Kannur University.


Author(s):  
Joel O. Afolayan ◽  
Roseline O. Ogundokun ◽  
Abiola G. Afolabi ◽  
Adekanmi A. Adegun

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad and complex area of study, which can be difficult for non-specialists to understand. Yet, its ultimate promise is to create computer systems that manifest human intelligence. This chapter coins “Machinzation” for the application of literary machine (computer) to human operations. This clearly has major implications for library and information science profession. In principle and practice, AI has penetrated virtually all walks of human life. Many authors have previously provided in-depth overviews of AI technologies. Service is the vocal point of librarianship and particularly in the era where information is the fifth and most important factor of production. Cloud computing stems from the principle of AI while when applied into the operations and routines in libraries and information center gives a brand new concept “CloudLibrarianship.” The new concept is dealt with in this work. Emergence of this concept opens up the entrepreneur opportunities in the information sector of the economy-inforpreneurship. This chapter therefore examines certain key aspects of AI that determine its potential utility as a tool for enhancing and supporting library operations.


Author(s):  
Vusi W. Tsabedze

The dependency by foreign countries institutions such as South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia for library and information science (LIS) training and development of staff members, to acquire higher education, has become expensive and complex for Eswatini government to handle. The expensive nature and complex situation of sending employees out of the country for training has paralysed most of the organisation due to their absence from operations in the office. This study therefore seeks to investigate, developing open distance e-learning curriculum for LIS programme in Eswatini. The University of Eswatini (UNESWA), which is one among other institution of higher learning in the country, does not offer any programme in LIS. Considering this situation in Eswatini, this chapter proposes a framework for developing the ODeL curriculum for LIS. Such a programme could be offered through the UNESWA to accommodate students within and outside the country. Thus, ensuring Eswatini becomes a player in LIS space within the African continent.


Author(s):  
Josiline Phiri Chigwada ◽  
Josephine Dinar Phiri

Access to information for all is a major component of library and information science in this digital era. Libraries in institutions of higher learning are mandated to provide information to all the patrons regardless of their ability to deal with the issue of inclusivity and social justice. A study on the innovations was conducted specifically for patrons with special needs in academic libraries. Different assistive technological types of equipment were outlined as well as the challenges encountered when using the assistive technology tools and applications. The observation was done at one of the academic libraries, and it was discovered that the library has a disability center that is used by patrons with special needs and manned by a trained librarian. The authors recommend the introduction of such services in all the academic libraries to cater to patrons with special needs.


Author(s):  
Ramadhas G. ◽  
Suman Sankar A. S.

Information explosion is the common phenomenon in the modern era in which no library can stand alone in fulfilling the information needs and requirements of its users. Resource sharing provides the means to maximize the usage of library collection irrespective of its type. Networking of libraries facilitates resource sharing among the participating libraries in an effective manner and it indirectly facilitates marketing of library sources among a group of libraries. Technology alone is not sufficient to bring together the sources. The attitudes of the people involved in the information dissemination are also a decisive factor in determining the success of resource sharing through networking of libraries. This chapter presents the attitude of information professionals for effective resource sharing and networking of academic libraries in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India. The study revealed that library and information science professionals have a positive attitude towards resource sharing and networking of libraries.


Author(s):  
Anna Kaushik

This chapter provides the genesis of the massive open online courses (MOOCs) concept and perceptions of library and information science professionals towards the evolution of MOOCs in libraries and the information science domain by using a survey. The results of this study revealed that a majority of library and information science professionals who participated in this survey were working in academic libraries and aware of the MOOCs concept from three years, by scholarly literature. The MOOCs concept was updated and useful in libraries and the information science domain, while a lack of MOOCs related specific to competencies and skills emerged as the main barrier. This survey also showed that the concept of MOOCs will continue to grow in the future. This chapter will be helpful to understand the concept of MOOCs and the insights of library and information science professionals in the MOOCs context.


Author(s):  
Robert Akinade Awoyemi

Academic libraries and information technology centres are under serious threat due to the increasing pressure to achieve higher level of performance in a competitive global environment. Most of these challenges are as result of information communication technology (ICT) and digital revolution. This chapter discusses the impact of digital revolution on academic libraries and the need to acquire core competencies and new skills to effectively the 21st century academic libraries and information technology centres. Further, the author examines the sets of skills required by Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals to survive in the digital-based environments.


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