Students’ Perceptions of ChatGPT in Academic Research Libraries: Opportunities, Challenges, and Implementation Priorities

Abstract

Purpose – This study examines library and information science students’ perceptions of the potential role of ChatGPT in academic research libraries, with particular attention to service opportunities, ethical and operational challenges, and implementation requirements. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used. Data were collected from 300 university-level library science students from Saudi Arabia selected through convenience sampling. A five-point Likert-type questionnaire was administered, and responses were analyzed descriptively using percentages and weighted mean scores.  Findings – Respondents generally perceived ChatGPT as useful for digital collection management, information retrieval, accessibility, and personalized research support. They also expressed substantial concern about privacy, response accuracy, bias, and the training required for librarians. The strongest positive response concerned the efficient management and curation of digital collections (M = 4.22), while the lowest level of agreement concerned the possibility that ChatGPT would reduce the need for human librarians (M = 3.55), although this response was still above the scale midpoint. Practical implications – Academic libraries should adopt ChatGPT through controlled pilots, human oversight, privacy safeguards, accuracy verification, and structured AI-literacy training for both librarians and users. Originality/value – The study contributes user-centered evidence on how future information professionals understand the opportunities and risks of generative AI in academic library settings.