Abstract
This study examined the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for promoting service delivery in the South-West branches of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN). Specifically, it investigated personnel awareness of AI applications, the extent of AI tool utilisation, the perceived benefits of AI, the challenges hindering its utilisation, and strategies for enhancing it. A descriptive survey design was adopted. A census of the 280 professional and para-professional staff of the six South-West branches was conducted using a structured questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84); 270 copies were validly completed (96% response rate). Data were analysed with frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, using a criterion mean of 2.50. Respondents showed moderate awareness of AI applications (cluster mean = 3.03) but lower utilisation of AI tools (cluster mean = 2.80). They strongly endorsed the benefits of AI (cluster mean = 3.39) and agreed that poor ICT infrastructure, limited technical expertise, inadequate funding, inconsistent policy, and resistance to change hinder its utilisation (cluster mean = 3.33). Increased government funding, vendor collaboration, continuous training, institutional support, and an AI policy framework were the most endorsed strategies (cluster mean = 3.44). The study concludes that although awareness of AI is growing among NLN personnel, its practical utilisation remains limited, and recommends investment in infrastructure, staff training, and policy development.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, National Library of Nigeria, service delivery, digital libraries, information retrieval, library innovation
Publication Date: 2026-10-31