Challenges in Adopting Artificial Intelligence in Academic Libraries in Chhattisgarh: A Theoretical Perspective.

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming the functioning of academic libraries by supporting information discovery, automated reference services, intelligent search, recommendation systems, metadata generation, digitisation, plagiarism detection, user analytics, translation, summarisation and research assistance. However, the adoption of AI in academic libraries is not merely a technological transition; it involves infrastructural, financial, human-resource, ethical, organisational and policy-related challenges. This theoretical paper examines the major challenges associated with the adoption of AI in academic libraries in Chhattisgarh. The paper is based on a conceptual review of scholarly literature, professional reports and policy documents relating to AI, academic libraries, digital transformation and higher education. Two objectives guide the discussion: (1) to identify the major technological, organisational, human, financial and ethical challenges affecting AI adoption in academic libraries in Chhattisgarh; and (2) to develop a conceptual framework for responsible and sustainable AI adoption in academic libraries. The analysis indicates that inadequate digital infrastructure, limited AI-related competencies among library professionals, financial constraints, data-quality issues, privacy and security concerns, algorithmic bias, lack of institutional policies, vendor dependence and resistance to organisational change represent interconnected barriers. The paper argues that AI adoption should therefore be approached through a sociotechnical and human-centred framework rather than as a simple procurement exercise. The proposed framework emphasises infrastructure readiness, staff capacity building, data governance, ethical safeguards, institutional policy, phased implementation and continuous evaluation.