Library Orientation Programmes in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Redefining the Librarian’s Role

Abstract

Academic libraries use orientation as one of their marketing tools to introduce their clientele and potential patrons to the services and resources at their disposal. However, the means to measure the impact of the orientation programme are not clear, as students still find it difficult to use the library effectively, especially in this era of AI where library use is very poor. In library parlance, artificial intelligence (AI) is the application of computers and the utilization of computer-based products and services in the performance of different library operations and functions, or in the provision of various services and the production of output products. Librarians need complex skills and abilities to collaborate and adapt, intending to use information and communication technology to manage information and serve users effectively. This paper analyses libraries' prospects and challenges in using artificial intelligence (AI) in an era where students make use of different AI tools instead of using physical libraries with information resources. The re-defining of the role of librarians in the area of skills and effective utilization of various ICT tools in the delivery of service is the hallmark of this conference paper. The AI librarians must have the skills to operate robotics that provide service to users; Grammarly, Elicit, virtual tours apps, interactive tutorial,  Gamification, virtual reality  Zotero, Mendeley, Qullibox, Chatbots, Blockchain, checking AI assignments or research work with plagiarism tools, Internet of Things (IOT), cloud computing, big data, machine learning, open data, mobile libraries, and other things were discussed in this paper.