ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAPACITY BUILDING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AMONG LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has significantly impacted various industries, including the library and information science (LIS) field. As AI becomes more integrated into library systems and services, LIS professionals must develop new skills and competencies to leverage these technologies effectively. This integration promises enhanced efficiency, productivity, and service quality, but it also presents challenges. LIS professionals need robust AI understanding, technical skills, and ethical awareness to manage AI-based tools. This paper explores the concept of AI capacity building and skill development among LIS professionals and discusses the necessary skills and competencies. It also examines the issues and challenges in equipping LIS professionals with AI skills in Nigeria and proposes solutions to address these challenges. It was concluded that the integration of AI technologies into the library and information science field offers significant potential to enhance library services, improve user experiences, and drive innovation. It was further suggested that First, there must be access to training programs that integrate AI fundamentals with LIS-specific applications, enabling professionals to harness AI for tasks like data organization, predictive analytics, and information retrieval.