Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising future technology among the fourth industrial revolution, we are trying to apply artificial intelligence technology across all area of society, including libraries. This study investigated the effects, issues, and implications of artificial intelligence on university library services. As a research method, in-depth interviews were conducted with IT experts of university libraries in North America, and conclusions and discussion were drawn from interview results and related documents. Research results revealed that university libraries in North America were trying to build an infrastructure that facilitates information access and retrieval based on artificial intelligence systems and to provide new services in collaboration with AI research institutes in universities. This study raised issues regarding the expansion of the role of libraries and librarians, privacy, and data quality. It was also discussed that the need for re-education of university librarians to become software engineers who play a role in disseminating knowledge. In addition, this study suggested the investment for the establishment of the information system and an artificial intelligence research center in the library. The study discussed limitations of research due to changes in the research environment and suggestions for future research.