Artificial Intelligence Application for Enhanced Service Delivery in Academic Libraries in Nigeria: An Analysis of the Literature

Abstract

The rapid emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AD technologies has transformed service delivery across diverse sectors, including libraries and information centres. Academic libraries in Nigeria face growing demands for efficient, user-centred, and technologically driven services. This study explores the application of AI tools such as chatbots, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation in academic libraries, with particular focus on their implications for enhancing access, reference services, and digital resource management. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining survey data from librarians in selected Nigerian universities with case analysis of AIenabled library systems. Findings reveal that AI adoption is still at an early stage, with most applications concentrated in reference services, cataloguing, classification and authentication of academic documents. Key challenges include inadequate infrastructure, data privacy concerns, and limited technical skills among librarians. However, the study highlights the potential of AI to improve user satisfaction, streamline routine operations, and support evidence-based decisionmaking in library management. It recommends investment in staff training, ethical guidelines for AI deployment, and robust data infrastructure to facilitate sustainable AI integration. This paper contributes to current discourse on the role of emerging technologies in repositioning libraries for relevance in the digital age and offers practical insights for Nigerian librarians navigating the disruptions of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.