From Catalogs to Chatbots: How AI Is Reshaping Library Science

In the last decade, the role of libraries has evolved dramatically. Libraries have long been the cornerstone of information access, curating vast collections of knowledge and helping users find what they need. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating this evolution, transforming every aspect of library science — from cataloging and metadata creation to user engagement and reference services.

As an educator and librarian, I’ve witnessed how AI is reshaping our profession, not replacing librarians but empowering us to work smarter, more efficiently, and more responsively to users’ needs.

The Shift from Curation to Discovery

Traditionally, libraries have excelled at organizing and curating content. Our cataloging systems helped users find resources by title, author, or subject. However, with the vast amount of digital information available today, the challenge has shifted from finding information to discovering relevant and useful knowledge.

AI-powered recommendation engines and natural language search tools are changing the game. For example, AI can analyze a user’s reading history or research interests to suggest new titles, related articles, or alternative perspectives. Tools like ChatGPT enable users to ask complex questions and receive synthesized, easy-to-understand answers instantly.

This evolution redefines information literacy. Instead of solely teaching users how to search catalogs, we now guide them in interpreting AI-generated content critically, understanding the strengths and limitations of these technologies.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Enhancing Reference Services

One of the most visible impacts of AI in libraries is the introduction of chatbots and virtual assistants. Many academic libraries have adopted AI-driven chat systems that operate 24/7, helping users with common queries such as locating resources, understanding citation formats, or navigating library services.

Rather than replacing human librarians, these tools extend our capacity to provide timely support. We can focus more on personalized, in-depth assistance, programming, and strategic initiatives while routine inquiries are handled seamlessly by AI.

Revolutionizing Cataloging and Metadata with AI

Cataloging and metadata creation are essential to resource discovery but have traditionally been labor-intensive and time-consuming. AI is streamlining these processes through technologies like Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and machine learning.

These AI tools can analyze texts, identify key themes, and assign metadata faster and more consistently than manual efforts. This efficiency allows librarians to devote more attention to enhancing collections and user engagement.

Moreover, AI can help build multilingual and multimedia catalogs that serve diverse user communities, making library resources more inclusive and accessible.

Ethical Considerations and the Librarian’s Role

Despite these exciting advances, AI integration raises important ethical questions. How do we ensure user privacy and data security? What biases exist in AI algorithms, and how might they influence search results or recommendations? How do we maintain equitable access in an era dominated by proprietary AI technologies?

As librarians, we have a responsibility to critically evaluate the AI tools we adopt and to advocate for transparency, fairness, and user empowerment. Our role expands to include being AI ethicists and digital literacy educators, equipping users with the skills to navigate AI-mediated information landscapes thoughtfully.

Embracing the Future: The Human Element Remains Key

AI undoubtedly changes library science, but it does not—and cannot—replace the uniquely human aspects of our profession. Critical thinking, empathy, cultural understanding, and ethical judgment remain at the heart of librarianship.

Our role is evolving from gatekeepers of information to guides in a complex digital ecosystem. By embracing AI thoughtfully and ethically, we ensure that libraries continue to be vibrant, equitable spaces for inquiry, learning, and community engagement.

In conclusion, artificial intelligence is not a threat to the profession of library science — it is an opportunity. An opportunity to innovate, to reach more people, and to redefine the meaning of access and discovery in the digital age. The key to success lies in balancing technology with the human touch, using AI as a tool to amplify our mission rather than replace it.

As we move forward, librarians must lead the conversation about how AI is integrated, ensuring it serves the values of equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning. This is an exciting moment to be part of the profession — one where technology and humanity come together to shape the future of knowledge.

By Mohammad Raju, Head Librarian, Scholastica Limited