Purpose The rapid digital transformation of libraries has introduced new opportunities and challenges for user engagement, particularly among digitally savvy patrons. Artificial intelligence (AI) and gamification are emerging as transformative tools in this context, enabling personalized, adaptive and interactive experiences. This study examines how AI-driven gamification can enhance user behavior, experience, and engagement in smart library environments. The purpose of this study is to explore the conceptual, technological and practical foundations of integrating AI and gamification in libraries and to assess their potential to redefine service delivery, promote information literacy and foster dynamic, user-centered interactions within the evolving digital landscape. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a mixed-method research approach combining qualitative and quantitative data collection. A structured questionnaire will be administered to library users to assess engagement levels, satisfaction and perceptions of AI-driven gamified services, while semi-structured interviews with library staff provide insights on implementation strategies, challenges and user behavior. Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics for survey responses and thematic analysis for qualitative interview data. The methodological framework emphasizes triangulation to ensure validity, reliability and depth of understanding, enabling a comprehensive exploration of AI-driven gamification’s impact on user engagement and experience in smart library systems. Findings Preliminary analysis of the literature and early field insights indicates that AI-driven gamification significantly enhances user engagement, motivation and learning outcomes. Personalized challenges, adaptive feedback and reward mechanisms foster exploration of digital and physical resources, while immersive gamified activities improve information literacy and retention. Users report increased satisfaction, efficiency and sustained interaction with library systems. Library staff highlight improved service delivery, data-driven decision-making and the ability to design user-centered programs. The findings of this study also underscore challenges such as infrastructure limitations, digital literacy gaps and ethical concerns regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias and equitable access in AI-driven gamified library services. Research limitations/implications The integration of AI-driven gamification in libraries has broad practical and strategic implications. Libraries can leverage adaptive gamification to enhance user engagement, encourage lifelong learning and optimize resource utilization. AI analytics provide insights for collection development, personalized instruction and targeted service interventions, enabling evidence-based decision-making. The approach also offers potential for immersive and collaborative learning, bridging digital skills gaps and fostering inclusive participation. Strategically, AI-driven gamification positions libraries as dynamic knowledge hubs responsive to user needs. Policymakers and practitioners must address ethical considerations, staff training and infrastructure development to ensure responsible, sustainable and equitable implementation of AI-enhanced gamified services. Originality/value This study contributes original insights into the emerging field of AI-driven gamification in library services, combining technological, behavioral and educational perspectives. Unlike previous research focusing solely on gamification or AI separately, this study examines the synergistic integration of both in smart library environments. This study provides empirical evidence on user engagement, behavior and experience while addressing implementation challenges, ethical concerns and practical strategies. Following the highlight of the adaptive, personalized and immersive approaches, this paper offers a roadmap for transforming libraries into interactive, user-centered and intelligent knowledge hubs. The findings inform policy, professional practice and future research in library innovation and digital literacy.
Tella et al. (Wed,) studied this question.