AI-powered chatbots serve as 24/7 virtual librarians, answering common queries such as library opening hours, loan policies, database navigation, and research guidance.
How they work: These systems use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to interpret user questions and pull answers from knowledge bases or integrated library systems.
Example: Microsoft Power Virtual Agents can be trained on a library’s FAQ and policy documents, while tools like Zayed University’s Aisha integrate Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for more dynamic, accurate responses.
Benefit: Reduces wait times, ensures round-the-clock assistance, and frees librarians for more complex tasks.
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the service landscape in academic libraries by extending access, personalizing user experiences, and automating routine tasks. These innovations ensure that library users can get timely, relevant, and accessible support without being constrained by physical space or staffing hours.
* AI Literacy and Education *
ACRL (Association of College & Research Libraries) provides resources for librarians to integrate AI literacy into instruction.
Public libraries like NYPL TechConnect and Skokie Public Library are running community programs on prompt-writing, AI bias, and ethics.
These initiatives make AI literacy a new dimension of information literacy.
* Singapore National Library Board — Shelf-Reading Robots (AuRoSS) *
AuRoSS (Autonomous Robotic Shelf Scanning System) was developed in Singapore (by A*STAR and the National Library Board) to autonomously roam library stacks—usually at night—scanning RFID-tagged books to identify misplaced or missing items. It achieved up to 99% scanning accuracy during trials