Empowering education in Africa: The future of academic libraries with artificial intelligence – A comprehensive review

Abstract

This article examines the potential transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic libraries throughout Africa, providing insights into the opportunities and obstacles it entails. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has initiated a transformation in the library domain, resulting in improved user experiences and more efficient resource management. The utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven search engines and recommendation systems is employed to deliver tailored content, hence enhancing the speed and effectiveness of information retrieval. Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI) enhances accessibility for individuals with visual and auditory impairments by leveraging natural language processing and speech recognition technology. The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) extends beyond the provision of user services, encompassing several aspects such as the comprehension of community requirements, trend analysis and resource preservation. Utilising this technology facilitates the effective retrieval of material and promotes collaborative efforts among individuals who share common research interests, hence establishing academic communities. Academic libraries in Africa have several obstacles when it comes to the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), encompassing financial limitations, ethical considerations and reluctance to embrace change. Adopting AI is impeded by challenges related to connectivity constraints and power supply limits. The resolution of these challenges holds significant importance for academic libraries in Africa, as it enables them to fully leverage the capabilities of artificial intelligence and enhance the standard of library services in the era of information.