The future of research in Africa: Appraising the need for artificial intelligence (AI)-driven policy and advocacy in academic libraries

Abstract

The world at present is confronted with the rapid augmentation of artificial intelligence (AI), and it has led to the development of innovations and machines that possess the capacity to learn and perform cognitive tasks, with little or no human supervision. This paper focuses on exploring the complex and interwoven relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and research, with major emphasis on African academic libraries. By so doing, the paper proposes to consider various themes related to AI technology, research, and academic libraries. These considerations will be based on exploratory clarifications and theoretical reviews, alongside a critical and scholarly discussion on differing perceptions and observations of various professionals and experts about the relationship between AI technologies and research within the context of African academic libraries. Following these critical discussions and evaluations, some practical recommendations are suggested for the effective and extensive adoption and use of AI technologies in African academic libraries.