Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming academic libraries by improving
information organisation, enhancing service delivery, and supporting research and
learning. However, awareness, adoption, and perception of AI technologies remain uneven
across academic libraries in developing countries because of infrastructural, institutional,
and human capacity constraints. This paper presents a conceptual review of the
interrelationship among awareness, perception, and adoption of AI tools in academic
libraries within developing countries. Drawing on recent literature, the paper argues that
awareness provides the cognitive foundation for understanding AI technologies, perception
shapes librarians' attitudes toward their usefulness and associated risks, while adoption
represents the practical implementation of AI applications in library operations and
services. The review further identifies institutional readiness, digital infrastructure,
leadership support, funding, policy frameworks, and professional competencies as critical
determinants of successful AI integration. Although awareness of AI is gradually increasing
among academic librarians, adoption remains fragmented and largely experimental
because of persistent technological and organisational challenges. The paper concludes that
sustainable AI integration requires continuous professional development, strategic
investment in digital infrastructure, supportive institutional policies, and ethical
governance. The review contributes to the growing literature on AI in Library and
Information Science by providing a conceptual framework for understanding the
interaction among awareness, perception, and adoption within resource-constrained
academic environments.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Academic Libraries; Developing Countries; Awareness;
Adoption; Perception; Library Services.
Publication Date: 2026-07-31