ADOPTION AND USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS IN SERVICE DELIVERY IN SELECTED ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN KENYA
ADOPTION AND USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS IN SERVICE DELIVERY IN SELECTED ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN KENYA
Teclah Jebet - Department of Computing and Information Science, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr. Martin Gichugu - Department of Computing and Information Science, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Academic libraries are continuously adopting artificial intelligence technologies to improve productivity, accessibility, and the user experience. With the volume and complexity of library information and the user needs continuing to expand exponentially, libraries face a daunting challenge of how to efficiently manage, access, and disseminate information to meet the diverse user needs. Thus, the adoption and utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools powered by machine learning and big data, have emerged as a transformative trend in libraries which has revolutionized the way libraries collect, curate, and deliver information. However, despite its potential in libraries, artificial intelligence still seems like a grey idea, especially in developing countries such as Kenya. The objective of the study was to assess the adoption and use of artificial intelligence tools on service delivery in selected academic libraries in Kenya. Diffusion of innovation theory served as the study's anchor theory. The research design used was descriptive research design where a total of eighty-seven library staff drawn from USIU, Strathmore, the University of Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) were considered. A total of seventy-one participants were chosen using stratified random selection technique. The study relied on primary data collected via research questionnaires which was analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means scores and standard deviations. Tables were used to display the study findings. Results showed that academic libraries in Kenya are well-informed about the availability of AI resources. Academic libraries' familiarity with AI technologies and their possible uses was nevertheless minimal. The study also found that several university libraries have a high level of AI tools adoption. In order to overcome obstacles and increase the acceptance and usage of AI technologies in academic libraries, the study recommends developing targeted training programs, properly allocating resources, and cultivating a supportive corporate culture.
