AI Integration in Academic Libraries of Developing Countries: Evidence from a Systematic Review of the Nigerian Context

Akinola, Samson Adesina

doi:10.22054/dcm.2026.76530.1221

AI Integration in Academic Libraries of Developing Countries: Evidence from a Systematic Review of the Nigerian Context

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Samson Adesina Akinola

Department Of Cataloguing, Joseph Ayo Babalola University Library, Ikeji Arakeji, Nigeria

10.22054/dcm.2026.76530.1221

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the capabilities and apparent implications of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in Nigerian academic libraries. Specifically, it examines the current state of AI realization, the benefits AI offers to library services, and the barriers that hinder its widespread adoption in the library contexts of developing countries.
Method: The present study is applied, conducted with a systematic review method and a qualitative content analysis approach. The research community comprised all published articles in peer-reviewed journals, conference papers, and professional reports published between 2018 and 2023 on the subject area of artificial intelligence(AI), and academic libraries and capabilities which were fully dealt with and reviewed after several revisions and refinements from the available articles, considering both inclusion and exclusion criteria for sources. Studies were selected based on their relevance to AI adoption in library and information science, with particular attention to empirical findings from Nigerian and Sub-Saharan African contexts. Thematic synthesis was employed to identify recurring patterns across the reviewed sources.
Findings: AI tools—including natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, robotics, chatbots, and big data analytics—hold significant potential to transform academic library services by automating routine tasks, enhancing resource discovery, enabling personalized user assistance, and improving operational efficiency. However, Nigerian academic libraries face substantial barriers to AI adoption, including high implementation costs, inadequate ICT infrastructure, insufficient digital skills among librarians, poor network connectivity, irregular power supply, privacy and ethical concerns, and institutional resistance to change.
Conclusion: While AI presents transformative opportunities for academic libraries in Nigeria, its implementation requires deliberate policy intervention, targeted training of library professionals, infrastructural investment, and the development of ethical frameworks for responsible AI deployment. Libraries must proactively position themselves as intelligent institutions capable of meeting the evolving information needs of digital-age users.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence

Academic Libraries

Nigeria

Library Technology

Information Retrieval

Machine Learning

Subjects

Digital Content Management

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