A Study Unfolding the Scholarly Footprint of Artificial Intelligence in Academic Libraries

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted Library and Information Science (LIS), as detailed in a study employing bibliometric and altmetric methods to analyze AI research in academic libraries. Utilizing tools like Bibliometrix, Tableau, and Microsoft Excel, the study reviews publication growth, authorship, institutional productivity, and topic evolution based on Scopus data. It also incorporates altmetric data from Dimensions.ai to assess societal impact. Findings reveal that AI research in academic libraries was scarce until the mid-2010s but surged post-2017, primarily from the U.S., China, and India, with an emphasis on collaborative efforts. Foundational studies earn the most citations, while newer work is trending upwards. Despite high academic engagement and social media presence, influence on policy remains low. The study underscores the importance of AI research in academic libraries and suggests combining bibliometric and altmetric insights to guide future strategies.