Libraries "balancing optimism in AI with caution"

Academic libraries are at another pivotal juncture, writes Oren Beit-Arie

The library community has faced a number of technological advancements in the last couple of decades, some of which were transformative. From adapting to digital transformation and the emergence of advanced technologies to evolving services to meet changing user needs and coping with the impact of open access, libraries have and continue to face both challenges and opportunities and have to keep reimagining their services.

Background

With the advent of AI, and especially generative AI, libraries are at another pivotal juncture, evaluating what and how to adopt technologies and solutions safely and responsibly while supporting and even expanding their core mission. 

To better understand their perspectives – concerns, challenges, plans and opportunities, Clarivate conducted a global survey of over 1,500 academic, public and national librarians. The survey was conducted from April to June 2024 and aimed to assess current trends, measure the impact of advanced technologies such as AI and capture the perspectives of librarians worldwide. Complementing the survey was a series of qualitative interviews.

The resulting Pulse of the Library report combines feedback from the survey and qualitative interviews to provide a snapshot of the trends, concerns and opportunities within the library community, with a particular focus on technological transformation, including AI. For decades, we have partnered with libraries and are deeply invested in the future of the library, supporting the global library community through a range of initiatives.

Survey key findings

 
1. Balancing optimism with caution

There is considerable optimism about the potential of AI, with 42% of respondents believing that AI can automate routine tasks and free librarians to focus on more strategic activities. However, respondents cited budget pressures (47%) and a lack of AI expertise (52%) as concerns that could affect considerations for AI implementation. The need for upskilling is evident. While some plan to offer development opportunities such as workshops, online courses and external conferences, nearly a third of respondents (32%) reported that no training is available.

Security, privacy and research integrity are also top concerns, reflecting broader industry and governmental concerns, such as the European Union’s AI Act. Academic libraries, in particular, highlight research integrity issues related to AI.

2. Rising engagement with AI

60% of respondents indicated that they are either evaluating or planning for AI. However, there is a notable difference between public and academic libraries. While 58% of public libraries have no immediate plans for AI, only 31% of academic libraries share this stance. Overall, AI-powered tools for library users and patrons emerge as the top technology priority for the next 12 months, according to 43% of respondents.

3. AI is advancing library missions

For libraries considering or implementing AI, the primary objectives are closely aligned with their core missions. Key goals include supporting student learning (52%), research excellence (47%) and content discoverability (45%). 

Anita Laamanen, Team Leader of eLibrary and Tools, VTT, Finland said: “Over the next five years, research librarians will leverage technologies including AI to improve access to information while maintaining a strong focus on user support, ethical practices and community engagement.” 

4. Regional variances in prioritising sustainability, inclusion and diversity and open science

The survey revealed that sustainability is a lower priority for U.S. respondents compared to other regions, while library development of inclusion and diversity strategies are most prevalent in the U.K. and U.S.

When it comes to open science and open access mandates, Europe was most highly affected (71%), whereas the U.S. and Mainland China were least affected. The higher level of impact on European respondents would appear to correspond to the impact of policies and regulations in the region.

5. The role of IT leadership

Heads of IT within libraries exhibit the most confidence and enthusiasm for AI. This highlights the importance of strategic collaboration between IT departments and library leadership to fully realise the transformative benefits of AI.

Thinking forward to an AI future

The Pulse of the Library report reveals that, while AI is in the early stages of implementation within the library community, there is clear interest. As AI moves from hype to early adoption, libraries are poised to harness these technologies to enhance their services and achieve their missions. However, lack of expertise and upskilling needs as well as budget constraints pose challenges, along with known concerns about misinformation, privacy and security,

A notable observation is that in an AI future, the role of the human – the librarian – will remain key. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities presented by AI, libraries can continue to play a central role in advancing education, research and community engagement.

To learn more about AI and what it means for academic libraries, we invite you to watch our on-demand webinar, Demystifying AI.

Oren Beit-Arie is SVP, Strategy & Innovation, Academia & Government, Clarivate