ABSTRACT
The study investigated the awareness and use of AI and Robotics Technology in Libraries for Effective Service Delivery in Nigeria. The study aimed to examine the types of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Technology used in the library for effective service delivery in Nigeria, awareness amongst librarians regarding artificial intelligence and robotics technology in the library for effective service delivery, AI and Robotics Technology uses in libraries for effective service delivery in Nigeria, benefits of artificial intelligence and robotics technology in libraries for effective service delivery in Nigeria and challenges confronting Nigerian libraries in the use of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics technology for effective service delivery. The study utilized the descriptive survey research design and the sample size of the study consisted of 106 respondents who responded to the questionnaire instrument used to gather data. The collected data was analysed using frequency tables, percentages and mean statistics.
The findings from the study indicated that Chatbots/Virtual Assistants, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Image Recognition Systems, Speech Recognition Systems, Recommendation Systems, Smart Library Management Systems are some of the types of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics technology used in the library for effective service delivery in Nigeria; that the level of awareness among Librarians regarding Artificial Intelligence and Robotics technology in the library for effective service delivery is high; that the impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics technology in libraries for effective service delivery in Nigeria are numerous amongst which are: informed decision making and resource allocation, cost reduction and resource optimization. that, lack of awareness and education, limited funding and budget constraints, technological infrastructure limitations, data privacy and security concerns, skill shortages and training gaps, integration complexity are some of the challenges are the challenges confronting Nigerian libraries in the use of artificial intelligence and robotics technology for effective service delivery.
Based on the findings, the study therefore recommended amongst others proper budgeting should be put in place for the implementation of these technologies; libraries should ensure that librarians are able to develop relevant digital skills and competencies by designing training programs like workshops, conferences and symposiums and the issue of user data privacy should be handled with utmost care, user data should be protected by adopting standard encryption technology in a case of sensitive data.
