How Can Academic Libraries Leverage Technological Innovations to Support Researchers?
With the advent of AI, the scholarly landscape has undergone a paradigm shift. AI has emerged as a catalyst revolutionizing various aspects of the scholarly world. From aiding in research and analysis, streamlining the editorial and review processes to enhancing research dissemination—the scholarly ecosystem is embracing this revolution. In fact, the United Kingdom has a national strategy for AI, not to mention various other institutions like the National Health Service and UKRI have developed their own comprehensive AI strategies. One of the key stakeholders that have been instrumental in driving the AI transformation in academia is academic libraries. Throughout history, libraries have withstood the test of time, consistently evolving to align with the shifting information landscape, enhancing their offerings and services to meet the needs of their communities.
Integration of technology has also played a key role in supporting libraries in shifting their focus from being collection-centric to becoming more user-centric. Academic libraries have now become dynamic spaces that foster collaboration, engagement, and personalized learning experiences. With more academic libraries now providing digital resources, online databases, and virtual services, they are in a better position, more than ever, to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of researchers.
Considering how focal academic libraries are in supporting researchers, we are delving into how libraries can effectively leverage innovations in technology, particularly AI, in their roles.
1. Enhancing advanced discovery and retrieval
In an era dominated by an overwhelming amount of information, researchers can find it daunting to keep up with the constant stream of new research and developments, especially when it comes to finding and accessing reliable data relevant to them.
AI can play a crucial role in enhancing information search and discovery. AI-powered search engines can revolutionize the way users find valuable resources directly related to their queries. By studying user search behaviors, AI-powered search engines can effectively analyze patterns and recommend resources that align with the user’s interests. This dynamic process occurring in real-time ensures prompt and personalized service delivery. Libraries can also utilize AI to enhance metadata for diverse types of content, such as articles and even images, thereby boosting the discoverability of resources. Here is how Columbia Libraries is leveraging AI to enhance their search system, going beyond keyword searches, with the goal of delivering more accurate and relevant search results.
Indexing library resources is essential for efficient document retrieval. Using AI-powered indexing tools, university libraries can provide researchers with a seamless way to discover an array of information sources across disciplines. These advanced tools leverage content analysis to automatically assign relevant keywords, assisting the search process and enabling researchers to uncover highly specific and accurate materials.
2. Optimizing collection development and management
By harnessing the power of data analytics, libraries can get valuable insights into how researchers are using their resources. It enables the identification of the most popular resources, ultimately leading to enhanced service offerings. Such an advantage is particularly crucial in collection development. Libraries can use circulation data and user preferences to make decisions about which materials to get, remove outdated resources, and use their budget more effectively. The result is more efficient provision of materials that best address the needs of students and researchers.
Predictive analytics empowers libraries to anticipate and meet researchers’ needs, enabling them to forecast future trends and tailor their services and offerings accordingly. By leveraging predictive models, libraries can effectively pinpoint emerging research trends and shape collection development strategies. “Future of Law Libraries: Artificial Intelligence, Opportunities, and Advancement” is a project by leading US law schools to help law libraries integrate AI to improve their collections, instruction, and services. While the University of Sussex is using AI to simplify and improve the exploration and understanding of library collections.
3. Improving user experience
AI-based recommendation systems have the potential to transform how users find and interact with library resources. AI-based recommendations take traditional manual browsing a step further by analyzing key data like browsing history, reading preferences, and ratings. This helps offer more personalized recommendations, perfectly tailored to meet the needs and preferences of each researcher. This can also increase engagement with library services and resources. Moreover, streamlining the search process by providing targeted recommendations not only improves efficiency but also saves time.
Integrating chatbots and virtual assistants is a valuable strategy for libraries to actively engage with researchers, providing them with effortless access to library resources, regardless of time or location. With the ability to communicate via text or speech, chatbots offer a versatile solution that can be harnessed in several ways within library settings. Bizzy is a virtual assistant at The University of Oklahoma that helps users with chat questions when staff members are not available. These AI-powered assistants can effectively address queries, deliver reference services, and support research inquiries, leading to faster information retrieval. Consequently, this approach frees up library staff, empowering them to focus on tackling more complex tasks like enhancing research support and strategic planning, where their expertise is most needed.
4. Championing accessibility
AI technologies have the potential to greatly improve the accessibility of library resources for students and researchers with disabilities. Libraries can use advanced technologies like natural language processing and machine learning to turn written content into audio, enable voice-based searches in their databases, and provide closed-captioning, summarize content, and offer content translations. Integrating these AI technologies opens up new possibilities for inclusivity and equal access to information within library settings. For instance, The University of Manchester Library is currently testing the Kortext AI Study Tools Pilot, which offers a range of innovative AI study tools. These tools can help generate concise summaries and outlines of content, as well as the ability to translate text into over 100 languages.
5. Developing collaborative learning spaces
Libraries have the incredible potential to amplify researchers’ collaborative learning experiences by embracing the latest technologies. For instance, incorporating interactive displays, researchers can participate in engaging and dynamic presentations. Collaboration platforms and software can be added to library systems for real-time document sharing and project management. Additionally, video conferencing tools open up new possibilities for virtual collaboration, breaking down geographical barriers and connecting researchers with peers worldwide.
Libraries are now starting to use Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to enhance user experiences. For instance, North Carolina State University Libraries offers VR equipment and provides dedicated spaces to explore its potential for research and innovation. These technologies combine the physical and digital spaces, offering a new way to access and deliver information. This allows libraries to engage with a wide range of communities and learning preferences.
Conclusion
In the digital age, academic libraries are no longer just places to store information, but are reaching beyond their physical limits, to become interactive centers for efficient knowledge dissemination, collaborations, and engagement. Innovation and AI advancements are central to this transformation. These resources help people learn together and meet the changing needs of a digitally adept scholarly community.
