LIBRARY SERVICES

This study investigates the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on library services, focusing specifically on academic libraries. With the rapid advancement of technology, libraries are increasingly adopting AI tools to improve their operations and enhance the user experience. The research centers on the John Harris Library at the University of Benin, exploring the current state and extent of AI integration in its services. AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics, are transforming traditional library functions by automating routine tasks like cataloging and organizing resources. This allows librarians to focus on more complex intellectual work. Additionally, AI enables personalized services through analyzing user behavior and preferences, improving information retrieval and recommendations. The study also highlights AI’s role in digitizing and preserving rare and fragile materials, thus safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations. However, alongside these benefits, the research addresses important challenges including data privacy concerns, ethical implications, potential job displacement among library staff, and the need for ongoing professional training. The findings emphasize the necessity of responsible AI adoption to balance technological progress with ethical responsibilities, ensuring that library services remain effective, inclusive, and trustworthy. This study contributes valuable insights for library professionals, academic institutions, and policymakers aiming to harness AI’s potential while managing its risks within the library setting

This study was conducted to investigate the use of mobile Internet devices as afactoraf ecting the under-utilization of library services by undergraduate students intheUniversity of Benin. Six purposes and research questions were raised to guide the study. The survey research design was employed in the study. The population of the studyconsists of all the entire library and information science students of the Facultyof Education in The University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin city, Edo state. The samplesizecomprises of 100 students of the library and information science department intheUniversity of Benin. Simple random sampling technique was used. The instrument fordata collection was the questionnaire developed by the researcher, and validatedbytheresearcher's supervisor. The study was able to determine the dif erent types of mobileInternet devices used by undergraduate students, the level at which they use these devices(very often). It was also able to discover that the level of under- utilization of libraryservices is very high as students prefer the use of mobile Internet devices to the utilizationof library services. The university library should discover and develop on platforms that can be used to provide library services to undergraduate students via mobile Internet devices so that the students preference of mobile Internet devices will be to the library'sadvantage and not otherwise. Mobile applications can be invented for the benefit of theuniversity user community especially undergraduate students in the University of Benin. Undergraduate students should be ensured to be given adequate library user orientationas part of their 100 level orientation program so that they understand completelythevalue of library services utilization. Lecturers should devise means to enforce ontheirstudents compulsory and frequent library visits for academic work. This will prompt thenever-library users to visit the library and most of them will get to enjoy utilizingthelibrary services, this will in turn reduce mobile Internet device use. The university library should improve on the provision of library services to meet theinformation needs of its users