Smart Libraries in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Evaluating the Transformation of Traditional Library Services

Abstract

Background: The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) has redefined how libraries acquire, organize, and disseminate information. Smart libraries integrate AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing to transform traditional, staff-intensive services into personalized, always-available knowledge environments. Purpose: This study evaluates how AI-based technologies are transforming traditional library services and examines users' awareness, usage, perceived impact, satisfaction, and challenges associated with smart library adoption. Methodology: The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design. The respondents were 300 students, faculty, researchers and library staff selected by stratified random sampling using a structured questionnaire with 5 point likert scale. Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions and cross-tabulation were used to analyze the data with SPSS 27. Findings: Overall, the results show a high level of agreement that AI improves library service delivery with the Service Transformation construct having the highest mean score (M = 3.83, SD = 0.89) and the User Satisfaction construct (M = 3.71). Perceptions of AI-enabled services (M = 3.70) were higher than actual usage in several instances, and perceived barriers to use (such as cost, privacy, and lack of training) averaged M = 3.52. Implications: The results suggest that library administrators and policymakers should prioritize enhancing digital infrastructure, capacity development for their staff, and robust data-privacy frameworks to drive faster AI-powered service transformation.