Abstract
This study examined the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in university libraries in Nigeria using a comparative quantitative approach across federal, state and private institutions. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised librarians and ICT personnel from eighteen selected universities consisting of six federal, six state and six private universities in Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to 180 respondents, out of which 168 copies were returned and found usable for analysis. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Analysis of Variance) at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that AI technologies such as RFID systems, intelligent OPAC, automated cataloguing tools and virtual reference systems are moderately adopted in Nigerian university libraries. However, adoption remains relatively low in federal and state universities compared to private institutions. Major barriers identified include inadequate funding, poor ICT infrastructure, lack of technical expertise and absence of institutional policy frameworks. The study concluded that institutional ownership significantly influences AI adoption in Nigerian university libraries. It was recommended that increased funding, professional training and development of institutional AI policies should be prioritized to enhance adoption.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Academic Libraries, Technology Adoption, University Libraries, Nigeria
Publication Date: 2026-07-31