Exploring the utilization of generative AI by librarians in higher education across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Trends in adoption,innovative applications,and emerging challenges

Abstract

This study explores the adoption, applications, usage, training, challenges, and future perception of generative artificial intelligence tools among university librarians in the GCC region. The research aims to assess and evaluate artificial intelligence integration in various library services and operations, identifying training and institutional gaps and exploring librarians’ future perspectives on impact of GenAI in the libraries and their roles. The research employs a descriptive quantitative approach using an online survey targeting librarians working across higher education in the GCC region. The structured survey included questions related to demography, multiple choice responses for selection of AI tools and the application of these tools, and a Likert scale involving construct on measuring AI adoptions, training requirements, challenges and future perspective on GenAI technologies. A total of 160 participants were included in the study and various statistical analysis such as descriptive analysis, independent sample T-test and one way ANOVA tests were conducted to identify the key trends and group differences. The key finding revealed a widespread adoption of generative AI technologies with ChatGPT, Google, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot being the most frequently used. The study found that librarians were using GenAI tools for various services including answering research queries, summarizing articles, research writing, information retrieval, and enhancing library services. Regardless of high adoption rates, the study highlights significant gaps in training and institutional support for AI technologies, with many librarians relying on self-based training to upskill themselves due to lack of structure AI training programs and institutional support. A country wise analysis revealed UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have made substantial investments in AI training and infrastructure whereas Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait are lagging. Key challenges include AI content accuracy, data privacy concerns, ethical risks such as bias and plagiarism. The study also found some gender related significant differences primarily related to their tasks. Despite the concerns related to the changing role of librarians and job loss, librarians in GCC reflected a positive and optimistic attitude despite toward AI applications in library and expected strong support from institutions in terms of investment in training and infrastructure for AI technologies. The study provides deep insights into the current state of GenAI adoption in universities libraries across the GCC region, highlighting the regional disparities in AI training and institutional support. It contributes toward the growing literature on AI literacy in Library & information science and offers practical recommendations for academic institutions, policymakers and library & information science professionals to bridge the gap in artificial intelligence skills and competencies and foster responsible use of AI integration in library services.