South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science

Editorial

Neli Tshabalala — 2024-08-30

Open source as a gateway to artificial intelligence

Edmund Balnaves — 2024-08-30

Open source has been widely adopted across the entire solution set in the library world, including software for traditional library services, digital libraries, discovery systems, identity management and persistent identifier solutions. Open source is also foundational in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Open source AI toolkits have driven the adoption of AI in machine learning, image recognition, video analysis and many other areas relevant to library systems. The communities supporting open source library software are among the largest and most dynamic in the library world. The Koha library management system is supported by a community of developers, librarians, service providers and participating libraries around the world, and is probably the most widely adopted library management system in the world. This article explores the evolution of open source in libraries and the ways in which the open source solutions can facilitate the introduction of AI in libraries in a way that gives libraries agency on the AI model development and implementation. Examples are provided on the use of AI toolkits in the library context.

Digital twinning in conceptualising metaversity academic library information hubs

Lorette Jacobs — 2024-08-30

The potential of digital technology like digital twins within the context of artificial intelligence can be used for facilitating information retrieval, sharing of contents, and creating collaborative environments to encourage engagement. This article explores the utilisation of digital twinning to bring about digital transformation in South African universities and academic libraries, as this technology is still underutilised. By considering digital twinning technologies, universities can enhance teaching practices and research capabilities and contribute to societal development. Digital twins, namely virtual replicas and models of physical systems or processes, provide universities with the means to simulate, evaluate and optimise infrastructures, resources, and operations. Artificial intelligence-powered recommendation systems can tailor or modify informative content searches, academic publications, and other information resources, based on specific research interests and knowledge preferences. An interpretivism paradigm, bricolage and foresight methods are applied to provide a comprehensive understanding of the future of functions and services to be offered by academic libraries. Findings propose that by utilising digital twins, academic libraries can enhance their societal impact, sustainability, and service delivery. Digital twin technology offers academic libraries the opportunity to enable real-time monitoring, process analysis and simulation, to provide insights into information resource utilisation, patron preferences and space optimisation.

Use of artificial intelligence in libraries

Karen Martínez Concha — 2024-08-30

Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently become a topic of interest for the nations, leading to research. In the case of libraries, data collection on AI use was conducted until 2020, raising the possibility of changes in research characteristics. This systematic review of open access articles on the use of AI in libraries provides an overview of the study of this technology in the library field in recent years. This quantitative study has a descriptive scope that focused on the analysis of the results obtained through a systematic review in the Web of Science (WoS) database for the period 2019-2023 on the use of AI in libraries. For this research, a characterisation of the articles on the use of AI in libraries was carried out and the following factors were analysed: geographical distribution of publication, language, institutions, journals, and publishers involved. The study shows a rise in research on AI and its use in libraries since 2022, a year that coincides with an increase in the publication of legislative proposals, laws, policies, and national strategies on AI worldwide.

A proposed framework for a digital literacy course for artificial intelligence in academic libraries

Josiline Chigwada — 2024-08-30

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) has been felt across all academic areas, and individuals must develop AI literacy skills. The declaration on libraries and AI issued by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) urged that libraries play a role in AI usage. A study was conducted to develop a framework for creating and delivering an AI digital literacy course in an academic library. A literature review was done using Scopus and Web of Science, to provide an awareness of current digital literacy courses and to identify gaps and best practices in establishing AI-specific courses. Through document and web content analysis academic libraries that have established digital literacy courses were identified. It was noted that academic librarians should work with students, faculty, the research office, university management and the ICT personnel to develop an AI literacy course. A framework was proposed to address the constraints of delivering an AI digital literacy course. The study contributes to the broader field of AI education by providing practical advice for academic libraries interested in promoting digital literacy and safe AI usage.

A review of artificial intelligence implementation in academic library services

Nombuso Phamela Zondi — 2024-08-31

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various sectors, including academic libraries, offering potential paradigm shifts in operations and patron services. The imperative need for AI in educational library services stems from its myriad advantages in enhancing efficiency and service quality. Despite its promise, the integration of AI within academic libraries faces hurdles such as expertise shortages, infrastructure limitations, financial constraints, and employment concerns. This paper critically seeks to assess AI implementation in academic library services. The aim is to uncover adoption drivers and challenges in AI implementation in academic libraries. This paper conducts a comprehensive literature review to explore implementation of AI in academic libraries. The findings of the study indicate that AI implementation heralds an era of enhanced service delivery, albeit accompanied by challenges, notably in developing countries like South Africa. It also indicates that success hinges on meticulous planning, collaborative teamwork, adequate funding, and proactive promotion. Furthermore, the paper’s findings offer librarians and top management insights into navigating the adoption of AI projects within academic library settings efficiently.

Artificial intelligence technology to enhance data quality management practices in the banking industry in South Africa

Talifhani Ramaliba — 2024-08-30

Data generated and used for decision-making in the banking sector has enabled the industry to overcome different challenges and gain insights to improve customer satisfaction. The importance of high-quality data in the banking industry is imperative to reduce fraud and financial crimes, and to enhance financial decision-making. It is therefore important that good data quality management practices are adopted to secure the stability of financial organisations. The purpose of the research as a concept paper was to propose a conceptual framework for utilising artificial intelligence (AI) technology for data quality management. This study explored the components of a proposed conceptual framework for the utilisation of AI technology for data quality management in the banking sector. In applying a qualitative desktop review, the hourglass model for AI governance and the Data Management Association (DAMA) model was used to develop a proposed conceptual framework relevant to the banking industry. Themes included in the proposed conceptual framework related to legislation and regulations, principles and guidelines, people, strategy, and technology/systems. The literature review’s results showed that in South Africa, limited legislation and guidelines are available to support and advance the use of AI in data quality management. It is envisaged that the proposed conceptual framework will provide a reference point to further explore this topic.

Emerging technologies and skills to improve service delivery in digital libraries

Neli Tshabalala — 2024-08-30

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence have become a dominant technological focus in the academic context that enables libraries to restructure their activities. AI enhances library operations and service delivery within the virtual workplace ecosystem, leading to seamless digital information flow that supports innovative services tailored to meet evolving user needs. The purpose of this study was to investigate how emerging technologies and skills can improve service delivery in digital libraries. The positivist quantitative approach research methodology was adopted in this study applying a survey data collection method coupled with literature review. Data were analysed through statistical instruments and visually presented. The study revealed that adopting a wide scale of technologies would require digital competencies and algorithmic literacy to influence broader access to knowledge and re-engineer library operations for efficiency in virtual and physical environment. The study recommended that artificial intelligence-driven technologies would better position libraries for future innovative changes through efficient systems integration to streamline services and foster greater accessibility to knowledge resources to enrich user experience. Adopting emerging technologies improved distribution and sharing of resources, leading to better service delivery, as cybrarians could devote valuable time to supporting users.

Utilisation of artificial intelligence for the provision of information services at the University of Limpopo libraries

Phuti Concilia Rabatseta — 2024-08-30

In the wake of the fourth industrial revolution, artificial intelligence has been used in every aspect of human activity, including library operations. Artificial intelligence refers to the process of collaborating with robotic machines to improve job performance, generate increased competence and drive economic progress. In the library and information services, artificial intelligence can carry out a series of operations such as information retrieval. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utilisation of artificial intelligence for the provision of information services at the University of Limpopo library in South Africa. The study used a qualitative content analysis to gather data. The findings indicate that artificial intelligence can be used to provide information services in the library such as responding to students' enquiries and helping users to locate books faster. However, the findings further indicate that the University of Limpopo library must have adequate artificial intelligence infrastructure in place to integrate with the library management system to provide effective information services. The study recommends that an intelligent robotic machine be adopted and applied to the information service at the University of Limpopo library to deal with students' enquiries regarding the availability of the books and the location of the books in the library. The study also recommends that the University of Limpopo library provide training programmes and workshops to help library professionals improve their knowledge of artificial intelligence technologies. The study proposes a framework for the utilisation of artificial intelligence for the provision of information services in the fourth industrial revolution at the University of Limpopo libraries in South Africa.

Leveraging artificial intelligence for sustainable knowledge organisation in academic libraries

Madireng Monyela — 2024-08-30

This study explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing knowledge organisational practices within academic libraries, focusing on promoting sustainability in information management. The research investigated the potential of AI-driven tools and technologies to optimise resource utilisation, improve user experiences and contribute to environmentally conscious library practices. A literature review and case studies of AI implementation in academic libraries was done. The study analysed existing AI applications for knowledge organisation, evaluated their impact on sustainability metrics and gathered practitioners’ insights regarding challenges, opportunities, and best practices. The research findings revealed that AI offers significant benefits for sustainable knowledge organisation in academic libraries. AI-driven automation streamlines cataloguing processes, enhances metadata enrichment, and enables personalised information services, leading to resource efficiency gains and improved user satisfaction. Ethical considerations regarding data privacy, algorithmic transparency and user empowerment are addressed, emphasising the importance of responsible AI governance. The study concludes that AI can potentially revolutionise knowledge organisation practices in academic libraries, aligning with sustainable development goals. By leveraging AI technologies responsibly, libraries can optimise information workflows, promote digital literacy, and contribute to a more inclusive and environmentally conscious information ecosystem. The study recommends that libraries invest in AI education and training for staff to effectively harness AI capabilities. Libraries, AI developers and stakeholders should collaborate to co-create ethically sound AI solutions. AI applications should be monitored and evaluated continuously to ensure alignment with sustainability objectives and user needs. This research contributes to the field’s originality field by examining the intersection of AI, knowledge organisation and sustainability in academic libraries. It offers insights into the transformative potential of AI for library practices and underscores the importance of ethical AI adoption for responsible information management. The findings provide practical recommendations for libraries to leverage AI as a strategic asset for sustainable knowledge organisation and user empowerment.

Author normativities for artificial intelligence: analysis from Latin America librarianship approach

Juan Miguel Palma Pena — 2024-08-30

Artificial intelligence (AI), in its broadest sense, is intelligence exhibited by machines, particularly computer systems (Wikipedia 2024) In this regard, for the present study, AI is an informative action that uses third-party information to give answers to different questions, so it can be said that it is linked with libraries by common objectives, since these are actors that implement ways to foster access to information. Therefore, it can be said that both the action and the actor are articulated to satisfy information needs. Nowadays, AI raises challenges mainly about how to legislate ownership and reproducibility of information that this technology uses and produces. Therefore, the aim of this research was to study and identify the author normativities to legislate information used and produced by AI that have been developed in Latin America. The methodology for this study was carried out through a bibliography review and quantitative methods, with exploratory, explanatory, descriptive and predictive research levels. Findings obtained indicated that Latin America is gradually advancing in reviewing and updating author normativities to legislate the information used and produced by AI.

Intersection of artificial intelligence, legal frameworks and psychological dynamics in academic libraries

Ntobeko Sikhakhane — 2024-08-30

Industry-seasoned individuals and scholars have extensively deliberated on the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the information fraternity. While consensus underscores the symbiotic relationship between AI and human efforts, this concept's dynamic and evolving nature evokes apprehension among stakeholders. This literature study discusses the nuanced exploration of challenges and opportunities of AI in academic libraries, aiming to contribute insights for informed decision-making and ethical implementation. Following the qualitative approach, the review included 2125 hits, 45 of which were considered for study. Adopting a comprehensive approach, this paper scrutinises dimensions influencing AI's acceptance and ethical use, encompassing psychological impacts, AI legalities, skill set alignment and a futuristic perspective. The study uncovered critical information warranting dissemination, emphasising the need for a balanced discourse on AI’s implications. The researchers present challenges and strategic recommendations for addressing them. By expounding the preliminary findings, the study adds a practical dimension to the discourse on AI in academic libraries, guiding stakeholders in judicious decision-making and aspires to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding AI in academic libraries, offering a holistic perspective extending beyond conventional discourse and equipping stakeholders with insights for navigating the landscape of AI integration.

Artificial intelligence-based literature review adaptation

Selema Tebogo Molopa — 2024-08-31

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing the efficiency and precision of the literature review process, a cornerstone of academic research. This study aims to explore the potentialities and limitations of AI in augmenting academic research methodologies with a critical eye towards both the facilitation and the fidelity of academic rigour. This investigation not only catalogues existing AI tools tailored for literature reviews, but also critically evaluates their application, setting a precedent for a nuanced discourse on the symbiosis between AI and traditional research methodologies. This exploration is poised to contribute to the evolving dialogue on AI's role in research, situating itself at the nexus of methodological innovation and scholarly integrity.

Academic librarian competencies and artificial intelligence

Andrew Cox — 2024-09-17

Artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to change employment patterns across the global economy, but it is hard to predict what type of change will happen and how fast. The purpose of this paper is to bring together initial thoughts on the impacts of AI specifically on the work of library professionals, based on a hermeneutic literature review. Generative AI is likely to change the nature of everyday office work, in a way that will impact roles across the library. Changes brought by AI for the information literacy trainer, manager, data specialist and collection manager are considered. Impacts on all library staff competencies are discussed. The final section asks whether the impact on job roles in lower resourced contexts in the global south, such as Kenya, will be different.

Machine learning for libraries with Python libraries

Marcelo Lorca González — 2024-09-17

This document focuses on the area of machine learning from data, applied to internal processes of a library. This is practical work associated with the development of an application in Python that uses libraries developed for automated learning work. An unsupervised data analysis methodology was applied, called the K-means method (K-medias in Spanish), which allows the data to be segmented or classified into groups to extract common characteristics. Data associated with the library collections were used. The developed code is shared, and visualisations of the data are shown.