Perceptions on adopting artificial intelligence and related technologies in libraries: public and academic librarians in North America

Purpose This study aims to understand how artificial Intelligence (AI) and related technologies are currently being utilized in public and academic libraries and how librarians perceive the adoption of new technologies in their relative libraries. Design/methodology/approach Using an online survey questionnaire, the authors collected survey responses from both public and academic librarians that were subscribed to information science-centered listservs in North America. The quantitative survey responses (N = 242) were measured through use of multiple chi-square tests and crosstab analyses. Findings The current use and awareness of AI and related technologies were more reported from academic librarians; however, public librarians' reported perceptions on such technologies were generally more positive. In all, 67% of them responded that AI and related technologies will transform the library's functions, and 68% of librarians reported that they are interested in training. This study discussed the significance of training for preparing librarians for AI and related technologies and the further examination on the role of librarians in the new era. Originality/value This study examined public and academic librarians' perceptions toward the adoption of six emerging technologies which often appear in the LIS literature as well as addressed as the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.