Exploring AI literacy skills among university librarians in Pakistan

This study examined artificial intelligence (AI) literacy among university librarians in Pakistan using quantitative cross-sectional research design. Data were collected from 243 librarians working in public sector universities selected through proportionate quota-based convenience sampling across provincial strata. The findings indicated that librarians demonstrated relatively strong foundational AI literacy, specifically in hardware & software and information & data literacy . Designation-based comparisons revealed significant differences in Communication & Collaboration and Safety. Post-hoc comparisons indicated higher Communication & Collaboration scores among Chief Librarians than Senior Librarians and higher Safety scores among Chief Librarians than Librarians. Significant gender-wise difference was observed only in the hardware & software dimensions, where female reported higher opinion than male librarians. Age and professional experience showed no significant association with AI literacy; while designation revealed significant differences only in communication & collaboration and safety , with higher scores among senior-level librarians. Furthermore, a significant difference of opinion was noted on five dimensions ( hardware & software, information & data literacy, communication & collaboration, content creation , and safety ) based on respondents’ educational level. Overall, the study highlighted that AI literacy was multidimensional and unevenly developed competence among university librarians in Pakistan.