CURRENT STATUS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTEGRATION IN MEDICAL COLLEGE LIBRARIES OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

This research investigates the status of artificial intelligence (AI) implementation in the medical college libraries of Pakistan, with the focus of evaluating the level of implementation, the nature of the adopted AI technologies, and the preparedness of library professionals for AI-enabled transformation. From the findings, it appears that the integration of AI is still in its initial stage with only 27% of libraries showing partial implementation while only 8% have achieved full or advanced level integration. Typically embraced AI applications are automated cataloging systems, chatbots for reference services, and plagiarism checkers. On the other hand, application of more sophisticated technologies such as machine learning-based recommendation systems, predictive analytics, and robotics-based circulation was found to be limited or not at all in place. Librarian awareness and readiness for the adoption of AI was also explored by the study. Descriptive statistics yielded a moderate awareness, with a mean score of 3.45 on a 5-point Likert scale. Although librarians showed a general appreciation of AI's potential benefits, most were lacking the technical competencies for successful implementation. Interestingly, 61% of the respondents indicated a desire for training and capacity-building programs to support their AI-related skills. These results emphasize the need for strategic planning, investment in professional development, and policy support to enable effective AI integration in medical library services in Pakistan.

Keywords: AI-Awareness, AI based technology-Medical libraries, AI-Awareness-Library-Pakistan