INHIBITORS TO THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR INFORMATION SERVICE PROVISION IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN ZARIA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA
INHIBITORS TO THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR INFORMATION SERVICE PROVISION IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN ZARIA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA
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Date
2026
Authors
EKOJA, Emmanuel
ADEDOKUN, Aderonke O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Library and Information Management Forum Vol. 28. No. 1 2026
Abstract
This study examined the inhibitors to the use of Artificial Intelligence for information service
provision in university libraries in Zaria Metropolis, Nigeria, with the aim of assessing
librarians' awareness of AI and identifying the technological, financial, organizational, and
human resource constraints limiting its adoption. Two objectives were used for the study; 1)
To examine librarians’ awareness of AI for information services provision in Academic
Libraries in Zaria Metropolis 2) To examine the inhibitors to the use of Artificial Intelligence
for information service provision in Academic libraries in Zaria Metropolis, Nigeria
Quantitative research methodology was used and a quantitative descriptive survey design was
adopted, covering a population of 160 academic librarians from Kashim Ibrahim Library,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the Federal University of Education, Zaria, using a
census sampling technique that included all academic librarians. A structured, questionnaire
yielded a response rate of 87.5% (140 respondents), and data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics. Results showed high awareness of AI tools (68.6%) and strong positive perceptions
of AI's potential to improve service efficiency (80.0%), yet actual adoption remained very low,
with only 36.4% reporting that their libraries had introduced AI‑based tools and just 31.4%
having personally used AI in service delivery. The main inhibitors identified were inadequate
funding (90.7%), high cost of AI tools and maintenance (87.1%), lack of sufficient AI training
(86.4%), limited capacity‑building opportunities (84.3%), inadequate ICT infrastructure
(82.9%), lack of modern software/hardware (80.7%), unstable internet connectivity (77.9%),
and absence of clear AI policies (73.6%). The study concludes that while academic librarians
in Zaria Metropolis exhibit readiness in terms of awareness and positive attitudes toward AI,
structural, financial, and human resource constraints create a significant gap between
perception and implementation, preventing progression from awareness to actual adoption. It
is therefore recommended that university library management prioritize sustained investment
in ICT infrastructure and AI tools, allocate dedicated funding for AI acquisition and
maintenance, and implement structured capacity‑building programmes alongside clear
institutional policies to guide effective AI integration into library services.
Description
Journal of Library and Information Management Forum