Into a brave new world : exploring AI perceptions and uses among the University of Malta Library staff

Abstract

The effects of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution have become increasingly ingrained in our lives over the past two years since the key to generative AI was made publicly available via large language models like ChatGPT giving rise to questions about how jobs and services are being impacted – academic libraries included. The purpose of this dissertation is to gauge the attitudes towards AI, knowledge and use of AI applications by the University of Malta Library (UML) staff and the management’s position on building an AI literate workplace. This research will help fill a knowledge gap and pave the way for policies which support an AI literate academic library. The research methods consisted of a review of the current literature with particular attention to surveys of academic librarians’ attitudes towards AI, and empirical data gathered from a generic staff questionnaire and qualitative interviews with the five members of the UML management. The findings from this research show that AI tools are being used by staff in different departments of the UML and there is a generally positive attitude towards AI tools complementing work duties rather than a fear of it replacing humans. However, the findings also indicate a cautious approach to implementing AI with awareness of ethical and security risks. A gap in staff training was also identified and the dissertation recommends a staff training plan which would upskill library staff’s knowledge of AI, piloting AI in workflows, upgrading resources to provide AI powered research tools and establishing communication channels with different entities within the University of Malta to work towards a common strategy.