The impact of AI on librarians' profession: Chinese librarians' perceptions and concerns
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31iConf64211Keywords:
Artificial intelligence, Librarians, Professional development, AI literacyAbstract
Introduction. The application scope of artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries is gradually expanding, inevitably exerting certain influences on librarians. An investigation on librarians' perceptions of AI application within libraries, as well as librarians' AI literacy and AI-related training programs for librarians provided by libraries has significant management and development implications.
Method. An online questionnaire comprising 4 5-point Likert scales of total 15 items was distributed to randomly selected Chinese librarians. 392 valid responses were collected, and descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0.
Results. Under the context of AI applied in libraries, librarians hold a more positive attitude towards AI, perceiving support effect higher than substitution effect on profession. However, contradictions and concerns of inadequate application depth of AI in libraries, low level of librarians' AI literacy, insufficient AI-related training programs for librarians, and future employment concerns caused by the development trend of AI exist.
Conclusion. Librarians' perceptions and concerns regarding AI application provide references for personnel management in libraries and professional development of librarians, bringing the necessity of firmly believing the irreplaceable core role of library professionals in human-machine collaboration.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Yi Chen , Qingqing Ye , Shiyi Xiao , Zike Jiang
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