University librarians chart path for AI-driven libraries
The Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming academic libraries through responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), following its 113th meeting and workshop held in Abuja over the week. Organised by the Nigerian University Library Consortium (NULIB), the event focused on the theme: “The Future of Libraries: Leveraging […]
The Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming academic libraries through responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), following its 113th meeting and workshop held in Abuja over the week.
Organised by the Nigerian University Library Consortium (NULIB), the event focused on the theme: “The Future of Libraries: Leveraging AI Innovations, Tools, and Applications.” It brought together university librarians, systems analysts, e-librarians, and AI Literacy experts to explore how AI can reshape library services and knowledge delivery.
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AULNU Chairman Professor Angela Ebele Okpala emphasised in her welcome remarks that autonomous operation, predictive capabilities, and adoption are essential for library relevance in the intelligent technology era.
Professor Andrew Haruna, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), chaired the opening session, emphasising university libraries’ vital role in higher education and librarians as innovation drivers beyond book custodianship.
He advocated for inclusive AULNU activities encompassing private universities and officially declared the workshop open.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of Mrs. Bukky O. Asubiojo, FNLA (Chairperson, NULIB), Dr. O.T. Emiri, described libraries as “one of the most enduring legacies of human civilisation.”
She noted that librarians have always been central to the evolution of information, from clay tablets to cloud storage and must now embrace AI to remain relevant.
“Our libraries face increasing competition from alternative information spaces. To attract, engage, and retain users, we must redefine library services using AI-powered solutions,” she said.
The workshop featured hands-on sessions led by Sylvester Israel Ebhonu, The Digital Librarian at Admiralty University of Nigeria, who introduced tools like the AI Librarian Mentor (Bibliomentor) and AI Reference Librarian. Mr. Ebhonu, who was recently honoured by the Nigerian Library Association with the Dr. Victoria Okojie Award for Advocacy and Promotion of Library Services, facilitated breakout exercises that produced key recommendations including policy frameworks, infrastructure investment, and ethical guidelines for AI integration. Mr. Ebhonu was recently elected as Public Relations Officer of the NLA.
“The era of smart libraries is here, and Nigerian University Librarians are ready to lead responsibly,” one participant said.
Mrs. Asubiojo urged participants to “never stop learning, unlearning, and up-skilling,” adding, “While some fear that AI may replace librarians, this is only true for those who refuse to adapt.”
The meeting called for a renewed commitment to ensuring Nigerian university libraries remain competitive globally while meeting local knowledge needs.
With stakeholders now equipped with tools and strategies, the Association pledged to keep Nigerian libraries at the forefront of academic development in an AI-driven future.