This study discusses the design and deployment of the Laira (Library AI Research Assistant) at the Library and Learning Resource Centre – RCSI Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain Library), outlining the system’s design rationale, implementation process, evaluation findings, and operational challenges. Laira is a reference service that connects end-users to library services and relies on a large language model to support complex information retrieval. The service has been integrated with the library’s discovery platform (Primo), Springshare applications, and a curated institutional knowledge base. Using natural language processing algorithms, Laira identifies relevant sources to respond to user queries. Its main functionalities include dynamic follow-up prompts, multilingual interaction, and real-time service availability. Based on project documentation and empirical implementation experience, the study explains the design development process, the problems encountered during development, and the ethical implications. The study concludes by discussing how academic libraries can incorporate AI-based applications to expand service access while maintaining professional standards.
Generative artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education worldwide, yet how students’ perceptions of these tools relate to one another remains unclear. This study examines the relationships between King Saud University students’ awareness and knowledge of generative artificial intelligence, their desire to use it, and their fear of using it, and whether these perceptions differ by gender, age, academic major, and level of study. Survey data from 652 students was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Awareness and knowledge were positively associated with fear, indicating that better-informed students perceive greater risk rather than less risk. The desire to use generative artificial intelligence had no significant effect on fear. Males reported a stronger desire to use generative artificial intelligence than females, while fear did not differ by gender. Awareness and fear differed significantly across age groups, levels of study, and academic majors. Training aimed solely at raising awareness may therefore not reduce students’ apprehension.
With digital scanners for heritage material becoming increasingly accessible, libraries require guidance to locally implement such technologies. Clear assessments as to technical affordances, potential disruptions and overheads are needed, especially if libraries are to harness such technologies for greater digital engagement. This paper focuses on scanners aligned to Automatic Text Recognition: the AI-enabled process of converting images-of-manuscripts into machine-readable text. In doing so, it fills a noticeable gap in documenting scanning processes as reproducible workflows. Action Research is used to ensure practitioner perspectives direct this assessment, conducted within the National Library of Scotland: combining drop-in sessions with staff interviews. ATR is found to be a creative and intentional way of ameliorating access issues to library collections, while requiring measures to limit disruption in reading rooms. By demonstrating ATR to be dependent on library space, specific pathways to user inclusion are charted: accounting for sociodemographic factors, AI awareness and digital skills.
This study examines the impact of dimensions of service quality on customer satisfaction in public libraries and explores innovation as a potential moderator of this relationship. Using a quantitative design, data were collected using a questionnaire from 250 active users across six public libraries in East Java, Indonesia, and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Although innovation was initially hypothesised as a moderator, the findings indicated that it functions as a direct predictor of satisfaction rather than as a factor that strengthens the service quality–satisfaction link. Tangibility, Assurance, Empathy and Innovation significantly influenced user satisfaction, whereas Reliability and Responsiveness do not. These findings contribute to the literature on library and information science by demonstrating that innovation operates as a direct determinant of satisfaction, thereby challenging assumptions about its moderating role. In increasingly digital library contexts, users appear to value innovative, user-centred services over traditional reliability and responsiveness indicators. Therefore, libraries should prioritise innovative services, improvements in physical environments and empathetic interactions to enhance user satisfaction.
Globally, 351 national libraries (NLs) and 406,487 public libraries (PLs) operate following the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) guidelines. However, a hybrid model has emerged – the national/public library (NPL) – where NLs function fully as PLs while retaining their national status. Despite the existence of over 30 NPLs worldwide, a significant research gap remains regarding formal recognition and standardised guidelines for this approach. This study explores the characteristics, successes and challenges of the NPL model through the perspectives of 26 participants from 26 countries. Using Classical Grounded Theory, the research identifies success factors, such as budget efficiency and public approachability, alongside barriers like role tension and the absence of clear frameworks. The findings address these gaps by proposing practical guidelines for international organisations, including IFLA, Conference of Directors of National Libraries, and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. These guidelines aim to facilitate global adoption, positioning NPLs as vital pillars for both national heritage and community engagement.
