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March 7, 2026Open Access

Application of artificial intelligence in academic libraries in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Key Points

This review aims to evaluate the use of artificial intelligence in academic libraries in low- and middle-income countries.
Conducted a scoping review across five databases including SCOPUS and Google Scholar.
Utilized specific search terms related to artificial intelligence and academic libraries.
Evaluated various studies reporting on AI tools like chatbots and robotics.
Most AI tools were found in isolated studies, indicating limited implementation.
Barriers included funding issues, job security fears, and a lack of infrastructure.
No comprehensive scoping review previously existed on this topic in specific regions.

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology provides academic libraries with an opportunity to improve users’ experience. However, the application of AI in academic libraries in low- and middle-income countries is yet to be established. Thus, this scoping review aims to assess the extent of AI utilisation in academic libraries in low- and middle-income countries. We performed searches in five databases, which included SCOPUS, Web of Science, Library and Information Science Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Academic Search Premier, and Google Scholar. The scoping review adopted the following search strategy: (Artificial intelligence OR AI OR Fourth Industrial Revolution OR 4th Industrial Revolution OR Industry 4.0 OR 4IR) AND (Application OR Implementation OR Utili*ation OR Use OR Adoption) AND (Academic Librar* OR University Librar*) AND (Challenges OR Hinderances OR Barriers). The review findings indicated that most studies reported the implemented AI tools such as Chatbots, robotics, RFID, AI text generators, and face recognition, among others. However, surprisingly, most of the AI tools were reported in single studies. The low adoption of AI technology was attributed to limited funding, fear of job security, presence of a knowledge gap, lack of infrastructure, ethical use of technology, privacy concerns, lack of management, and absence of adequate policies. Our literature search yielded no scoping review presenting the extent of AI utilisation in academic libraries in low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia; however, we acknowledge the availability of some systematic studies on the topic. This study aimed to improve on the already available knowledge and bridge any present gaps. Our literature yielded no scoping review presenting the extent of AI utilisation in academic libraries in low- and middle-income countries; therefore, this study aimed to fill the gap. The findings and recommendations presented in this scoping review will guide academic libraries in harnessing the implementation of AI in their services. Thus, enhancing the library users’ information seeking experiences in this technological era.

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Cite This Study

Nakaziba et al. (Wed,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69abc1235af8044f7a4e9c60 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-026-01308-0

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