Over 60 percent of libraries are currently evaluating or planning for artificial intelligence (AI) implementation, according to a global survey of more than 1,500 librarians by Clarivate, the parent company of ProQuest, Ex Libris, Web of Science, and more. According to Clarivate’s first “Pulse of the Library” report, which combines feedback from the global survey and qualitative interviews of librarians working at academic, public, and national libraries, “the potential rise of AI adoption in the coming year is high. Although only seven percent of respondents are currently implementing AI, AI-powered tools for library users and patrons are the top technology priority for the next 12 months, according to 43 percent of respondents…. This is far greater than the 27 percent who intend to enhance or adopt a library management system or the 22 percent who plan to deploy solutions for collection development.”

The report noted a significant disparity between AI adoption in public and academic libraries. While 58 percent of respondents from public libraries said their institution either had no plans or was not actively pursuing AI, only 31 percent of respondents from academic libraries described being in the same position.

“Generative AI is now reshaping the landscape for all, including the library community, in a profound way,” Oren Beit-Arie, SVP, strategy and innovation for Clarivate said in an announcement. “We will continue to partner and help libraries think forward by sharing our data and insights so they can continue to make critical decisions; navigate roadblocks; and champion their role in advancing research, education and community engagement.”

Globally, librarians expressed optimism about AI, with 42 percent of respondents saying they believed AI will help automate routine tasks, enabling librarians to focus more on strategic and creative activities. Fifty-two percent said that there is currently an AI skills gap and that upskilling/training for AI would be the biggest near-term impact that AI will have on employment. While some respondents said they plan to offer workshops, online courses, and other development opportunities, 32 percent said that no training is available, with that response rising to 43 percent among U.S. respondents.

A scarcity of funds could be at least partly responsible for the lack of training opportunities. Almost half of respondents (47 percent) described tight budgets as their greatest challenge. The anticipated technological impact of AI was a distant second, cited by 18 percent of respondents.

Public librarians were more likely than academic librarians to worry that AI could result in job displacement, with 42 percent of public librarian respondents describing it as a concern, compared with 31 percent of academic librarians. Respondents from the U.S. also expressed more concern and higher levels of uncertainty about AI’s potential impact on jobs compared with respondents from Asia and Europe.

Some write-in responses reflected a more nuanced view of AI’s potential impact on the profession. For example, Derek Brown, Director of IT, Rochester Hills Public Library, MI, wrote: “The future role of the librarian will be characterized by a blend of traditional responsibilities and new, technology-driven tasks. Even with AI, librarians will continue to be indispensable guides in the information age, fostering a community-centered approach while embracing innovative technologies to enhance library services.”

The full 21-page report is available as a free download, and Clarivate has launched a microsite with interactive data visualizations at clarivate.com/pulse-of-the-library.