Conference Agenda

AI applications are widely anticipated to enhance metadata creation, extraction, and management (Cox, 2023; Mannheimer et al., 2024). However, as with any advanced technology, users’ skills and attitudes play a pivotal role in determining the final quality of the output. Librarians often emphasize the need for training (Hervieu & Wheatley, 2021), including those dedicated explicitly to AI tools (Cox, Pinfield & Rutter, 2019; Cox, 2023; Kautonen & Gasparini, 2024; Grote, Faber & Gasparini, 2024). They perceive understanding AI’s potential and limitations, evaluation of its quality, bias, and ethics, and its critical application (Lo, 2024) as crucial elements of AI training.

This study aims to examine Polish librarians’ attitudes toward AI applications, focusing on the selected information literacy skills deemed necessary to produce high-quality metadata. Do library and information professionals consider themselves prepared to critically assess information sources, that is, AI-generated metadata for accuracy, relevance, and bias, or do they believe additional training is essential to grasp and utilize AI systems fully? How do they envision the future role of librarians? Will critical thinking and expert judgment remain indispensable metadata creation and management skills, or will advanced AI mechanisms render such oversight unnecessary?

The answers to these questions will be based on data gathered through a survey conducted by the DCMI Education Committee. The survey explored the potential impact of AI on metadata creation and management within library and information services. The survey collected the opinions of library and information professionals worldwide in 14 languages, including 90 responses from information professionals in Poland (December 2024 and January 2025). R was used for statistical analysis of the results, supplemented by qualitative analysis of comments, using LLMs (llama3.1 and deepseek-r1 series), validated by human oversights.

By presenting findings from a survey of Polish librarians and comparing them with results obtained from librarians in other countries, this study aims to shed light on these questions as a critical step prior to developing competencies and implementing AI tools on a broader scale. Our study provides professionals with a voice in expressing their concerns and anticipation about the potential of AI-supported metadata creation, management, and processing. The use of this tool also requires new types of skills, information literacy, and proficiency (Widén & Teixeira, 2023). The responses indicated a high level of respondents’ awareness of this topic, with the highest evaluation for Understanding how AI tools function and their limitations (4,67) and Evaluating AI-generated metadata for accuracy, relevance, and bias critically (4,63).

References

Cox, A. (2023). How artificial intelligence might change academic library work: Applying the competencies literature and the theory of the professions. Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 74(3): 367–380.

Cox, A. M., Pinfield, S., & Rutter, S. (2019). The intelligent library: Thought leaders’ views on the likely impact of artificial intelligence on academic libraries. Library Hi Tech, 37(3): 418-435.

Grote, M., Faber, H. C. L., & Gasparini, A. (2024). Artificial intelligence in PhD education: New perspectives for research libraries. LIBER Quarterly: The Journal of the Association of European Research Libraries, 34(1): 1–29.

Hervieux, S., & Wheatley, A. (2021). Perceptions of artificial intelligence: A survey of academic librarians in Canada and the United States. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 47(1), 102270.

Kautonen, H., & Gasparini, A. A. (2024). B-Wheel – Building AI competences in academic libraries. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 50(4), 102886.

Lo, L. S. (2024). Evaluating AI literacy in academic libraries: A survey study with a focus on US employees. College & Research Libraries, 85(5), 635.

Mannheimer, S., et al. (2024). Responsible AI practice in libraries and archives: A review of the literature. Information Technology and Libraries, 43(3).

Widén, G., & Teixeira, J. (Eds.). (2023). Information Literacy and the Digitalization of the Workplace. Facet Publishing.

Libraries are increasingly looking to integrate innovative technologies to improve the efficiency of library services, access to information, and user interaction in a time of accelerated digital transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a variety of opportunities to optimize library operations, including intelligent searching of digital archives, personalized reader recommendations, text analytics, virtual library assistants, and more. AI has a considerable potential for libraries as it can support in enhancing research and providing personalized recommendations, thus transforming the way people access and interact with information. Implementing AI allows librarians to adapt to technological progress, thus staying devoted to their mission of sharing knowledge and information and making them accessible to everyone. This research examines the application of AI in libraries in Bulgaria. Its main objective is to identify the attitudes of Bulgarian library professionals towards the application of AI in their daily professional activities. The results of our study identified the application of AI by librarians and offers specific suggestions and recommendations for the use of AIto optimize various library work activities. Within this context, we examined issues related to the types of tools, librarians’ self-assessed level of familiarity with these technologies, and related challenges and perspectives.

The methodology we followed included study and content analysis, comparative analysis, and synthesis of the obtained information. The study is based on 1. A systematic review of library websites to identify AI technologies already implemented and their functionality; 2. Analysis of data derived from a nationwide survey involving 150 librarians, experts, and practitioners aimed at exploring their perceptions, attitudes, and degree of preparedness regarding the integration of AI into the Bulgarian library sector. The survey sample is drawn from a broad spectrum of library institutions, including community (chitalishte), municipal, regional, and academic libraries.

The paper supports the point of view that AI is crucial for libraries as it ensures that libraries remain innovative and efficient in meeting the evolving needs of their users.

References

Ajakaye, J. E. (2022). Applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries. In I. I. Ekoja, E. F. Ogbomo & O. Okuonghae (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Emerging Trends and Technologies in Librarianship (pp. 73–90). IGI Global.

Borgohain, D. J., Bhardwaj, R. K., & Verma, M. K. (2024). Mapping the literature on the application of artificial intelligence in libraries (AAIL): A scientometric analysis. Library Hi Tech, 42(1): 149–179.

Hazarika, H., Achumi, A. S., & Konch, P. K. (2024). Exploring the Future Possibility of Generative AI in Libraries: A comprehensive study. INFLIBNET’s Institutional Repository. Retrieved 25 September, 2024 from https://ir.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/1944/2468

Hoving, S. (2024). AI in libraries: Improving tradition through innovation. Retrieved 21 September, 2024 from https://www.springernature.com/gp/librarians/the-link/technology-blogpost/ai-libraries-tradition-innovation/27407176

Kalcheva, R., Dimcheva, K., & Mihaylova, K. (2022). От Гутенберг до изкуствения интелект – истории от бъдещето. Развитие и тенденции в издателската дейност на Регионална библиотека „Пенчо Славейков” – Варна. Izdatel, 24(2): 5–13.

Omame, I. M., & Alex-Nmecha, J. C. (2020). Artificial intelligence in libraries. In N. S. Osuigwe (Ed.), Managing and Adapting Library Information Services for Future Users (pp. 120–144). IGI Global.

Yancheva, G. (2024). A research project for mapping the digital initiatives of Bulgarian libraries. In D. Paneva-Marinova, R. Pavlov, & P. Stanchev (Eds.), Digital Presentation and Preservation of Cultural and Scientific Heritage, (pp. 273–280). https://doi.org/10.55630/dipp.2024.14.26

This paper explores ways French academic librarians prepare for their role as mediators of emerging generative AI technologies. Having identified four « AI librarian-explorer » profiles (Favel-Kapoian, Kovacs, 2025) in the first phase of our research, we provided results of the second phase of analysis. We focus on the knowledge construction, network building, and pedagogical practices of a group of French university librarians involved in developing AI training sessions in the Lyon area for undergraduate and graduate students.

Objectives

We analysed librarians’ emerging positions in their role as GenAI mediators and trainers. Our goal was to understand how university librarians developed individual and collective frameworks for approaching AI in their everyday information practices and professional interactions (Licoppe, 2008; Garfinkel, 2020). We charted the creation and stabilisation of local and national ecosystems whereby librarians developed their knowledge and competencies while making choices about which IL competencies to prioritize when addressing generative AI issues in student training.

Methodology

We followed Winkin’s (1998) anthropological paradigm by considering librarians’ appropriation of AI tools within their professional activities (Delcambre, 2016). This led us to develop a qualitative methodological protocol (Paillé, Mucchielli, 2016) featuring semi-structured ethnographic interviews (Kaufman, 2016) with four librarians whom we previously interviewed. We added five interviewees and conducted content analysis of documents created for use by student participants in online AI sessions offered by librarians in the context of IL training.

Outcomes

Our results showed that librarians remained prudent about their role as AI mediators, tending to address AI by means of the IL issues with which they feel the most legitimate: dangers of plagiarism, use of AI for document searching. AI has become part of a regular agenda of internal discussion among library staff in order to promote a sense of “readiness” for future phases of IL course development. Certain “AI explorer” initiatives have however entered into a phase of relative stasis, a phenomenon which we attribute to the nature of the professional environment and the role of the library within the institution.

References

Delcambre, P. (2016). Formes communicationnelles et opérations sociales: Une approche par les échanges au travail (des échanges en travail), Revue Française des Sciences de l’Information et de la Communication, 9. https://doi.org/10.4000/rfsic.2092

Favel-Kapoian, V., & Kovacs, S. (2025). Accompagner les usagers vers l’IA: défis et motivations des bibliothécaires-”explorateurs” de l’enseignement supérieur. In E. Broudoux, G. Chartron, & B. Epron (Ed.), Information et Intelligence Artificielle, Opportunités et Risques. Louvain La Neuve (pp. 225–238). De Boeck supérieur.

Garfinkel, H. (2020). Recherches en Ethnométhodologie. Paris: Presses universitaires de France.

Kaufmann, J-C. (2016). L’Entretien Compréhensif. Paris: Armand Colin.

Licoppe, C. (2008). Dans le «carré de l’activité»: perspectives internationales sur le travail et l’activité. Sociologie du Travail, 50(3). https://doi.org/10.4000/sdt.19353

Paillé, P., & Mucchielli, A. (2016). L’Analyse Qualitative en Sciences Humaines et Sociales. Malakoff: Armand Colin.

Winkin, Y. (1996). Anthropologie de la Communication, de la Théorie au Terrain. Bruxelles: De Boeck Université.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into services offered by public libraries presents unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Libraries must adopt proactive strategies to reposition themselves as dynamic centers of community engagement and knowledge dissemination (Smith & Johnson, 2025). In this paper I critically assessed the role of public libraries in Romania within SHIFT: MetamorphoSis of cultural Heritage Into augmented hypermedia assets. For enhanced accessibility and inclusion project, funded under the Horizon 2021-2027 programme. I explored how libraries act as “partnership brokers” from the perspective of public libraries in Romania starting from the experience of the National Association of Public Librarians and Libraries of Romania (ANBPR). I confirmed the importance of public libraries in activating community networks, expand their reach, and ensure their continued relevance. ANBPR’s experience offered valuable insights and best practices for other libraries seeking to adapt and thrive. This approach emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing. At the heart of this study was the concept of partnership brokering (Crihană, 2015) where libraries facilitate collaborations between diverse stakeholders—government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, NGOs, and community groups—to improve their services and outreach (Miller & Green, 2021). Methodologically, I used surveys and direct observations to explore how AI technologies from the SHIFT project can improve accessibility to cultural heritage assets (Jones, Patel & Williams, 2020), highlighting the role of ANBPR in piloting these innovations in its extensive network of over 2800 libraries. In addition, I examined the monetization strategies of SHIFT technological solutions, including subscription-based models, licensing agreements and partnerships with technology providers (Taylor, 2023). ANBPR’s active engagement with vulnerable user groups provides guarantees that these solutions are adapted to meet the diverse needs of users. I used a methodology based on structured surveys and direct observation to analyze the integration and monetization of AI solutions from the SHIFT project in public libraries in Romania. Myquestions targeted public libraries’ approach to adopt operational plans, monetization strategies, and commercial products while addressing collaboration opportunities within and outside the consortium, and future operating scenarios. I used direct observation to probes user interaction with SHIFT technologies in pilot libraries. My research highlights the experiences and best practices of ANBPR and the essential role of collaboration and innovation in redefining the relevance of public libraries (Brown, 2023). Early findings provide valuable insights for libraries around the world seeking to adapt and thrive. The SHIFT project, with the active involvement of ANBPR, demonstrates immense potential to transform the accessibility of cultural heritage in libraries through cutting-edge AI-based technological solutions and the constant cultivation of partnerships. By focusing on users’ needs and demands and exploring sustainable monetization strategies, the SHIFT project ensures that these innovative solutions reach a wide audience and thus strengthen a more inclusive and accessible cultural landscape for all.

References

Brown, C. (2023). Innovation and Adaptation: The role of public libraries in the AI era. MIT Press.

Crihană, I. C. C. (2014). Brokering long-term partnerships – A cross-border approach based on a Romanian experience. Partnership Brokers Journal. Retrieved 28 August, 2025 from http://partnershipbrokers.org/w/journal/brokering-long-term-partnerships-a-cross-border-approach-based-on-a-romanian-experience/

Jones, M., Patel, S., & Williams, H. (2020). Enhancing Digital Accessibility through AI: Case studies from the cultural heritage domain. Springer.

Miller, T., & Green, L. (2021). Partnership Brokering in the Cultural Heritage Sector: Strategies for sustainable collaboration. Routledge.

Smith, J., & Johnson, R. (2022). Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Public Libraries: Opportunities and challenges. Oxford University Press.

Taylor, B. (2023). Sustainable Monetization Strategies for Digital Heritage Platforms: A comprehensive analysis. Cambridge University Press.