International Journal of Librarianship

Implementing Retrieval-Augmented Generation for Academic Libraries

2026-02-02T21:23:46+00:00

This article details the technical development of a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system designed to enhance discovery within an academic library's institutional repository. Conducted during a six-month research leave in 2025, this project explores the practical application of emerging cloud-based AI tools in a library context. We developed a prototype that integrates the University of Manitoba’s MSpace repository with Microsoft Azure AI services. The system utilizes an OAI-PMH harvester to retrieve metadata, generates semantic vector embeddings via the text-embedding-ada-002 model, and indexes these vectors in Azure AI Search. A custom front-end application facilitates both traditional keyword search and generative, context-aware chat interactions. This paper documents the development environment, script logic, and specific technical challenges overcome—such as OAI-PMH pagination errors and API versioning conflicts—providing a reproducible roadmap for libraries seeking to explore semantic search technologies.

Surging Waves of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Current Statuses and Future Prospects

2025-11-11T23:37:08+00:00

This study highlights some of the emerging AI-powered tools in healthcare. The discussion also covers the current statuses and future prospects of healthcare services impacted by the rapid advance of generative AI technology. 110 AI-powered tools are listed under five primary healthcare fields: (1). Healthcare and medical management; (2). Healthcare robots; (3). Medical diagnosis and personalized treatment plans; (4). Medical and radiology imaging and screening; and (5). Patient care, consultation, and therapy. Further studies are still needed to follow the latest evolution of AI technology transforming all the healthcare domains. This study offers a unique guidance for academic faculty, dental school students, LIS students, medical school students, nursing school students, subject librarians, and other healthcare professionals to track the future progression of generative AI in the healthcare sectors.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence (AI), Generative AI, Healthcare, Healthcare robots, Medical diagnosis, Patient care and therapy

Beyond Academic Support

2026-03-11T19:01:11+00:00

Community college students often face complex academic, financial, and personal pressures that can negatively affect their mental health and overall wellbeing. While counseling centers provide essential clinical support, many institutions are exploring broader campus approaches to promoting student wellness. Academic libraries, as accessible and inclusive campus spaces, are increasingly recognized as important contributors to these efforts. This paper examines the role of community college libraries in supporting student wellbeing while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Library Services

2025-07-31T17:18:13+00:00

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rising fast. In its application in library and information science, it has greatly transformed how information is managed, accessed, and disseminated. This systematic review examines the role of AI in enhancing library services across various domains, including cataloging, recommendation systems, Chatbots/virtual assistance, digital preservation and archiving, and predictive analytics. Drawing on peer-reviewed literature, institutional reports, and gray literature published between 2015 and 2024, the study focuses on synthesizing key thematic findings to identify technological trends, practical applications, and strategies employed by libraries worldwide. This study employed and strictly adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and 50 relevant studies were studied in the final review from an initial 500 studies retrieved. The findings identified the obvious shift of libraries towards automation, intelligent systems, and predictive analytics that support services that are user-oriented and enhance operations. Even though AI has promising benefits, this study identifies key challenges faced during AI adoption, particularly concerning data privacy, transparency, algorithm bias, infrastructural gaps, funding, and workplace displacement. The study concludes by providing strategic recommendations for librarians, policymakers, and technology experts, as well as suggestions for further studies for LIS professionals seeking to fully integrate AI into the library system. The study comprehensively synthesizes existing literature and contributes to informed decision-making, critical reflection, and scholarly discussions on the future of AI-powered libraries.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

2025-07-15T05:30:16+00:00

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are becoming increasingly important in the field of library and information services as they are bringing about efficiency and improved user engagement. The paper discusses different examples of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications in libraries categorized under collection development, readers' and reference services, user training and literacy, research data management, and catalogue and metadata services. Emphasis is placed on the need for libraries and Information Centers to leverage generative AI tools to automate routine tasks and deliver personalized services to library users. The paper also examined cases of AI and ML usage in the educational sector and then narrowed down this usage to the context of library and information centers. The implications of AL and ML in library and information centers were discussed with particular reference to implication in terms of requirements. In conclusion, the paper advocates responsible adoption of AI/ML, and need for continuous skill development amongst librarians to be able to effectively navigate the ever changing information environment.

The Public Libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

2025-08-12T04:48:35+00:00

The aim of the study was to assess the status of public libraries against IFLA standards regarding library collection, staff, books storage space, user space/study hall, accessibility for the physically handicapped individuals, and safety. The purpose of this valuation is to guide investments, promote best practices, and enhance library capacity, line up with global standards for educational and cultural enrichment. Study has been conducted by employing a quantitative research design, physical surveys were administered to In-charge/Head librarians of all the 17 public libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The data on library book resources, infrastructure, and facilities were analyzed using Excel worksheets. Findings shows that the current state of public libraries in KP falls significantly below IFLA standards across multiple domains. However, with proper planning, resource allocation, and staff development, these gaps can be bridged. Implementing the recommendations of research would lead to more equitable access to information, safer environments, and a culture of lifelong learning across the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Trends And Developments in Library and Information Science (LIS) Research in Sri Lanka

2025-08-29T09:18:48+00:00

Based on articles published in the Journal of the University Librarians’ Association of Sri Lanka (JULA) between 2014 and 2024, this study provides a bibliometric analysis of research patterns and developments in the field of library and information science (LIS) in Sri Lanka. Analyzing the growth of LIS research output during the last 11 years, as well as highlighting significant research themes, authorship patterns, citation trends, and notable contributors, is the primary objective of the study. Bibliometric parameters, such publication frequency, authorship collaboration, subject coverage, and page and citation counts, were used for assessing 111 articles in total. The results show that LIS research continues to grow, with a discernible trend towards new topics including open access, digital libraries, and information literacy as well as an increase in collaborative research. The study explores the evolving environment of LIS scholarship in Sri Lanka and identifies the most prominent authors in the area. In order to better understand the research landscape and guide future scholarly communication and academic progress in the LIS area, the findings offer insightful information to LIS researchers, practitioners, and policymakers

Remodeling Library Services through Artificial Intelligence

2025-07-23T14:54:14+00:00

Library services through Artificial Intelligence (AI) have brought a major change to information delivery systems in the digital era. The study examines how AI remodel library services through its application to four main areas which include Improved User Experience, improved services, data analysis, and AI literacy. The study used qualitative methods for comparative analysis of ten key studies from Africa, Asia and European Countries which were published between 2020 and 2025. The study reveals that chatbots in academic libraries greatly improved service delivery by providing users with real-time assistance. Also, librarians’ perceived AI as a tool to improve library services. The study proves that AI enhances user satisfaction through service design but noted the need for structured support and policies. The study concludes that while AI possesses the ability to transform library services, its success depends on institutional readiness and inclusive implementation.

AI and IoT Integration in Academic Library Services

2025-07-29T14:46:36+00:00

The integration of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) within academic libraries is transforming how students, educators, and researchers discover and use information. This document explores various applications of AI and IoT in library settings and examines their impact on research and educational processes. Notable innovations include intelligent search functionalities, customized recommendations, automated cataloging systems, digital monitoring of library resources, and intelligent environments that enhance user experiences. The analysis emphasizes how these technologies assist more efficient information retrieval, simplify library operations, and support data-driven decision-making. Besides, it addresses challenges associated with adopting these technologies, such as privacy concerns, digital literacy gaps, and infrastructure requirements. Through the examination of real-world examples and contemporary practices, this paper aims to outline strategies for effective deployment of AI and IoT in academic libraries, emphasizing their potential to promote more efficient, personalized, and engaging research and learning environments.

Anthropomorphic AI in Academic Libraries

2025-10-24T14:32:25+00:00

This study investigates system librarians' perspectives and lived experiences with the integration of AI anthropomorphism in Nigerian academic libraries for web-based service delivery. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted, utilizing a focused group discussion with six system librarians purposively selected from across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. Data from the semi-structured interview were analyzed thematically. The results revealed that AI anthropomorphism significantly enhances user engagement and accessibility, particularly for hesitant patrons, and offers operational benefits through personalized, scalable services. However, substantial challenges were identified, including risks of user misunderstanding, eroded trust, potential emotional dependency, and ethical dilemmas concerning data privacy and transparency. A clear generational divide in acceptance was also observed. The study concludes that the successful integration of anthropomorphic AI requires a balanced, human-centered approach guided by robust ethical frameworks to ensure these technologies augment rather than compromise the library's mission.

Book review: Marketing services and resources in information organisations

2025-12-19T01:59:12+00:00

Editorial: March 2026

2026-03-30T14:19:05+00:00