Librarians as Catalysts for Integrating AI Tools in Scholarly Research: A Proposed Model

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to propose a model that outlines the crucial role of librarians in facilitating the integration of Artificial intelligence (AI) tools into scholarly research. A comprehensive review of existing literature on the intersection of librarianship, AI technology, and scholarly research was conducted. The study identified some vital research domains where librarians can provide crucial support to researchers through the integration of AI tools. These areas include aiding in the selection of suitable AI technologies, conducting comprehensive literature searches and mapping, facilitating data analysis and visualization, managing citations and references, promoting research integrity and ethical awareness, and assisting with copyediting tasks. Additionally, the study emphasizes the notable challenges confronted by librarians in developing countries in the integration of AI tools in library services. However, the proposed model carries significant implications for both librarians and researchers, providing a strategic framework to optimize the benefits of AI in research activities.