Artificial Intelligence and Filipino Academic Librarians: Perceptions, Challenges and Opportunities

ABSTRACT

This study explores the perspectives, challenges, and opportunities faced by Filipino academic librarians in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their profession. In response to the transformative impact of AI on various sectors, including libraries, understanding how librarians navigate this technological shift is imperative. Using a quantitative approach, an online questionnaire was distributed to 178 academic librarians across diverse universities in the National Capital Region, Philippines. The survey investigates librarians' perceptions of AI, covering their comprehension, expectations, and concerns. It also explores challenges in AI adoption and identifies opportunities for improving library services. Results reveal that Filipino librarians generally view AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, expressing readiness for training to incorporate AI into their workflows. This study provides valuable insights into the preparedness and willingness of Filipino academic librarians to embrace AI, contributing to the literature on AI in libraries within the Filipino context. The findings serve as a guide for future developments, aiding librarians in identifying training needs, addressing knowledge gaps, and preparing for the evolving landscape of library services through AI integration in the academic library domain in the Philippines.

KEYWORDS:

• Filipino librarians
• academic librarians
• artificial intelligence
• AI
• virtual assistants
• technology

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lady Catherine R. de Leon

Ms. Lady Catherine R. de Leon, R.L., MLIS, an accomplished professional in library and information science, earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines in 2002 and a Master's degree in 2015. Currently, she holds key positions at UST Miguel de Benavides Library, serving as the Filipiniana Head Librarian and Chair of the Student Welfare and Services Committee. Beyond her institutional roles, she has presented research papers at various National and International Conferences. Actively involved in professional groups in the Philippines, Ms. De Leon is a member of professional organizations such as the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc., UST Librarians Association, and currently serves as a Board Member for the Philippine Association of Academic/Research Librarians, Inc. (PAARL).

Lejempf V. Flores

Mr. Lejempf V. Flores, R.L., MLIS, is a librarian who obtained his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines in 2002 and completed his Master's Degree in 2015 at Baliuag University, Bulacan, Philippines. Presently, he holds the positions of Cataloger, Chair of the Information and Communications Technology Committee, and eLearning Specialist at UST Miguel de Benavides Library. Actively engaged in professional circles, he is a member of esteemed organizations such as the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc., UST Librarians Association, and the Philippine Association of Academic/Research Librarians, Inc. (PAARL).

Anna Rita L. Alomo

Ms. Anna Rita L. Alomo, R.L. MALIS is a librarian, who earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines in 2002 and a Master's Degree in 2013. She is currently affiliated with the UST Miguel de Benavides Library as the acquisition librarian and quality management representative. She is actively involved in professional groups in the Philippines such as the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc., UST Librarians Association, and Philippine Association of Academic/Research Librarians, Inc. (PAARL) and is currently the secretary of the CEAP-NCR Tertiary Library Committee.