Abstract

In the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), academic libraries must evolve from traditional static services into dynamic, user-centric platforms that support intelligent research discovery and scholarly engagement. This study presents the design and simulation of a lightweight AI-powered library assistant tailored for African academic libraries, emphasizing personalized information retrieval, automated research support, and citation assistance. The prototype was developed in Python using open-source natural language processing (NLP) frameworks, including Hugging Face Transformers and Sentence-BERT for semantic search, the Crossref API for citation generation, and domain mapping for journal recommendation. A simulation involving sixty user queries across ten personas was conducted, and performance was compared with traditional academic library service benchmarks. The results indicate that the AI assistant dramatically reduced query response time from approximately two days to 0.056 seconds, improved relevance scores from 65% to 87.7%, and enhanced citation accuracy to 97%, while achieving 89% precision in journal recommendations and a user satisfaction rating of 4.6/5. These findings demonstrate that lightweight, low-cost AI systems can significantly enhance research productivity and user experience in African academic libraries. The study concludes with a framework for sustainable AI adoption that addresses infrastructural, digital literacy, and ethical challenges. By bridging the gap between conceptual discussions and empirical validation, this work provides both theoretical and practical contributions to reimagining scholarly communication and library services in under-resourced contexts.

References

• T. T. Oyedokun, "Navigating the dynamics of present-day academic libraries: An in-depth analysis of strategies, challenges, and emerging trends," IFLA Journal, vol. 51, no. 2, p. 470–489, 2025.
• Y. Zhang and J. Hu, "In their own words: Why patrons use libraries less or more in a digital age? Implications for future library services," in IFLA LAC Satellite Meeting, Dublin, Ohio, 2016.
• S. Limwichitr, "Academic library 4.0 and beyond: Investigating adaptation of academic libraries in Thailand towards a 4.0 landscape," The Journal of Academic Librarianship, vol. 50, no. 2, p. 102857, 2024.
• M. S. Kartiani, "The role of emerging technologies in enhancing information management processes in libraries," Advanced Journal of Management, Humanity and Social Science, vol. 1, no. 4, p. 245–257, 2025.
• G. O. Adigun, Y. A. Ajani and R. T. Enakrire, "The intelligent libraries: Innovation for a sustainable knowledge system in the Fifth (5th) Industrial Revolution," Libri, vol. 74, no. 3, p. 211–223, 2024.
• M. Monyela and A. Tella, "Leveraging artificial intelligence for sustainable knowledge organisation in academic libraries," South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, vol. 90, no. 2, p. 1–11, 2024.
• L. Luo and L. Yang, "Toward artificial intelligence–powered library services: A survey of academic libraries," Library Hi Tech, vol. 38, no. 2, p. 271–285, 2020.
• B. D. Oladokun, B. E. Ogunjimi, S. O. Oyetola, E. D. Orubebe and R. T. Enakrire, "Library management in an era of disruption: Assessing skills and knowledge of future academic librarians in Nigeria," Information Development, p. 02666669251350380, 2025.
• D. N. Ocholla, "African academic libraries and the COVID-19 pandemic: Impacts, challenges and lessons," Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, vol. 52, no. 4, p. 391–393, 2020.
• N. Tshabalala and L. Dube, "Emerging technologies and skills to improve service delivery in digital libraries," South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, vol. 90, no. 2, p. 1–12, 2024.
• O. B. Onyancha, "Rethinking African library services post-COVID: Digitization, sustainability, and transformation," Library Trends, vol. 71, no. 2, p. 325–345, 2022.
• K. I. N. Nwalo and B. I. Okike, "Artificial intelligence and academic library services in Nigerian universities: Prospects and challenges," Library Philosophy and Practice, p. 4718, 2021.
• R. A. M. Rafiq, "Leveraging platforms and emerging technologies for the future of public libraries in Europe: Vision 2030, objectives, and implementation strategies — A technology assessment," 2025.
• A. J. Adetayo, O. O. Babalola and V. A. Olukayode, "The Convergence of AI and Librarianship: Evaluating the Real-World Application of ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot," In Real-World Applications of AI Innovation ( IGI Global Scientific Publishing), pp. 407-424, 2025.
• A. Jain, M. Shah and A. Raj, "Chatbots for library services: Applications, opportunities, and challenges," Library Hi Tech, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 10-13, 2021.
• B. A. A. B. I. M. S. D. &. U. A. C. Adewusi, "Advances in AI-Augmented User Experience Design for Personalized Public and Enterprise Digital Services," In International Multiresearch Journal, pp. 1910-1929, 2023.
• O. I. Odularu, "Integrating AI in Knowledge Management," Journal of Ecohumanism, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 803-819, 2025.
• S. Aurelia and O. Embarak, Industry 4.0 Key Technological Advances and Design Principles in Engineering, Education, Business, and Social Applications., CRC Press, 2024.
• E. E. Baro, B. C. Endouware and J. O. Ubogu, "Challenges and strategies for managing e-resources in university libraries in Nigeria," Library Management, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 137-150, 2019.
• A. M. Cox, S. Pinfield and S. Rutter, "The intelligent library: Thought leadership and the future of libraries in the age of AI," Journal of Documentation, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 1-19, 2021.