Acceptance and Use of Artificial Intelligence among Academic Librarians in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI), just like any other technology, could be an enabler of work performance or a source of distraction. Among other factors, acceptance and use of AI are dependent on perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and peer influence. The primary objective of the study is to determine the extent of use of AI among academic librarians and assess the perceptions towards AI among academic librarians. The study adopted a survey research design in which an online structured questionnaire was administered among 50 academic librarians in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Findings from the study confirmed that academic librarians have both hesitations and readiness to embrace AI. Though useful, academic librarians also perceive that AI poses job displacement threats. Training on effective ways academic librarians could use for harnessing AI is recommended.