Abstract

The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by academic libraries globally is not without its challenges despite its diverse benefits for efficient library operations and services. This paper examined the drivers of AI adoption and the likely impediments in its adoption by academic libraries in Nigeria. The methodology adopted for this paper was a documentary/literature review search to determine the trends and patterns in the extent of AI adoption by academic libraries globally and in particular Nigeria. This paper discussed the concept of AI, application areas of AI, and impediments to the adoption of AI categorized under institutional, personal and technological factors. This paper further discussed the probable factors that may drive AI adoption by academic libraries in Nigeria using the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM 3) as a framework. These factors include behavioural intention, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norm, AI playfulness, AI self efficacy among others. This paper concluded that although AI is not yet fully adopted by academic libraries in Nigeria, there are impending factors that can drive AI adoption as revealed in the adapted TAM 3 model. Furthermore, the impediments to the adoption of AI need to be urgently addressed by academic libraries in Nigeria, before the full exploitation of these evolving technologies for library operations and services. It was recommended that academic libraries should be supported by their respective Parent institutions in terms of funding, quick uptake of AI technologies; and equally creating the enabling environment for AI users and the library at large.