(9 Sep 2024) Clarivate Plc today launched its first Pulse of the Library™ report. The report reveals that libraries are in the early days of Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation. Librarians are considering applications of AI that support the library mission, particularly in enhancing content discovery and increasing efficiency for their teams. However, there are notable concerns, including a lack of AI expertise and tight budgets.
The report combines feedback from a survey of more than 1,500 librarians from across the world with qualitative interviews, covering academic, national and public libraries. In addition to the downloadable report, the accompanying microsite’s dynamic and interactive data visualizations enable rapid comparative analyses according to regions and library types. The data is available for free here.
Key findings of the report include:
- Most libraries have an AI plan in place, or one in progress: Over 60% of respondents are evaluating or planning for AI integration.
- AI adoption is the top tech priority: AI-powered tools for library users and patrons top the list of technology priorities for the next 12 months, according to 43% of respondents.
- AI is advancing library missions: Key goals for those evaluating or implementing AI include supporting student learning (52%), research excellence (47%) and content discoverability (45%), aligning closely with the mission of libraries.
- Librarians see promise and pitfalls in AI adoption: 42% believe AI can automate routine tasks, freeing librarians for strategic and creative activities. Levels of optimism vary regionally. AI skills gaps and shrinking budgets are top concerns. Lack of expertise and budget constraints are seen as greater challenges than privacy and security issues:
- Shrinking budgets: Almost half (47%) cite shrinking budgets as their greatest challenge.
- Skills gap: 52% of respondents see upskilling as AI’s biggest impact on employment, yet nearly a third (32%) state that no training is available.
- AI advancement will be led by IT: By combining the expertise of heads of IT with strategic investment and direction from senior leadership, libraries can move from consideration to implementation of AI in the coming years.
- Regional priorities differ: Librarians’ views on other key topics such as sustainability, diversity, open access and open science show notable regional diversity.
The press release is here.
