Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Document Type
Article
Citation
Onwubiko Emmanuel Chidiad, Offor Chimezie Cecilia and Onwumbiko Joy Nwadiogwa (2024). Librarians’ Level of Awareness and perception of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Federal University Libraries in Southeast, Nigeria
Abstract
The level of awareness and perception of AI and robotics by librarians are very paramount as to determining their applications and utilization or otherwise in any library. This study therefore aimed at determining librarians’ level of awareness and perception of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in federal universities in Southeast, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and was guided by three research questions. The population sample of the study was 50 librarians drawn from 5 federal universities libraries on Southeast, Nigeria selected through random sampling technique with the aid of research assistants from each of the universities while a Likert four point type structured questionnaire was the only instrument used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts from the department of measurement and evaluation of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria using Cronbach’s alpha. Result showed coefficient of α=.84. The questionnaires were sent through respondents emails and were also returned through the same channel 100%. Data collected were analyzed using frequencies and simple percentile and presented in tables. The findings revealed that the level of awareness of AI and its tools by the librarians was very low regardless they have positive perception of the usefulness of application and utilization of AI in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria but also perceived it as a technology that will have adverse effect on the library staff and information utilization. It was based on the findings that the study recommended among other things that librarians in federal universities in Southeast, Nigeria in particular and Nigeria in general should not wait to be reminded to now tailor their efforts towards acquiring AI skills by training and retraining as to be prepared to face the challenges when the technology is finally introduced in their libraries and also to remain relevant in the scheme of things.
