The Reality of Artificial Intelligence Use in Omani Academic Libraries: Sultan Qaboos University Libraries as a Model

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is a new guest in libraries because of its effective capacity to solve many of the problems facing libraries and its contribution to simplifying and improving the delivery of numerous self-service functions.   This study aimed to identify the current state of artificial intelligence technology use in the academic libraries of Sultan Qaboos University by highlighting the AI technologies employed in these libraries, examining the extent to which they are utilized in technical operations and public and administrative services, and identifying the major challenges that prevent some libraries from making optimal use of these technologies. The study reached several findings, including the existence of efforts by Sultan Qaboos University academic libraries to adopt artificial intelligence technologies despite financial challenges and the absence of dedicated financial allocations for investment in them. It also emphasized the importance of strategic planning in libraries to ensure the adoption of modern technologies and effective control of library resources and financial budgets according to a well-designed plan, as well as the need to qualify and train human resources to work with intelligent applications and ensure their optimal utilization.