The Smart Librarian: AI Skills for the Modern Era

Background: The rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the library and information services and automates the main processes and introduces new principles of user interaction and accessibility. This change in technology requires librarians to acquire another set of competencies that are related to AI in order to be relevant and effective. Nonetheless, there is a wide disparity between the established potential of AI and the AI literacy and skills that present-day library professionals possess. Objectives: The research will aim to explore the skills in artificial intelligence every contemporary library should possess, evaluate the current extent of AI in libraries and awareness, and reveal the major obstacles that prevent its use. The study aims at developing plans of improving AI literacy and professional growth in the area. Methods: In this study, a quantitative cross-sectional research design was adopted, where the study involved the application of a structured questionnaire to 104 library professionals. The survey tool included demographic variables and a five-point Likert scale gauging the perceptions of the participants in three areas, i.e., awareness of AI, self-reported AI skills, and difficulties in integrating AI. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Results: Results show that there is a high level of optimism about AI in improving affairs in libraries and eliminating workload. Nevertheless, there was also a high level of a confidence gap, and self-reported proficiency in such main areas as AI-based cataloging, data analytics, and chatbot management were low. Although the ethical issues and the lack of technical expertise were mentioned as the key obstacles, the early introduction of AI tools in libraries is still in its infancy. It was overwhelmingly stated that most of the respondents were willing to learn and they needed more professional development. Conclusion: The conclusion of the study is that Librarians have a positive attitude towards AI, but a significant skills gap and moral issues prevent its successful implementation. To bridge this gap, targeted training programs, modernization of LIS curricula, and the development of ethical frameworks are urgently recommended. Empowering librarians with AI literacy is crucial for the evolution of user-centric, efficient, and future-ready library services.