Faculty Engagement with Academic Library Resources amid Artificial Intelligence Advancements – A Survey

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Given the phenomenal omnipresence on AI across various functions and process, a study was conducted to check if AI platforms are transforming/affecting academic practices.  For the study, respondents’ usage patterns of e-resources and print resources was examined given the AI backdrop.  Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Information Seeking Behavior (ISB) theory are used to theorize the perceived effectiveness and easy to use influence the adoption of technology.

Methods: A survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire and was administered to 186 faculty members from an engineering college located in rural precincts of Andhra Pradesh.  The survey covered satisfaction levels using libraries, attitudes/perceptions towards AI complementarity against substitution.  Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests are used for analysis.

Key Results:  Findings show that there is high usage for printed material (88.17%) for teaching purpose and reasonably high usage for e-journals (73.65%) for research purpose and knowledge acquisition.   94% expressed satisfaction with library resources while perceived shortages in archival materials that drive AI reliance exists.  Chi-square analysis displayed significant relations between age and AI preference (χ²=12.61, p=0.002).

Conclusions/Implications: Libraries continue to remain an essential hub for academic pursuits, by complementing AI's efficiency.   AI literacy workshops needed to bridge gaps.

Originality/Value:  This study provides empirical data from a rural Indian context and it is was carried out by the authors in person.  The study gains value as it contributes to global discourse on sustainable academic resource integration wherein technology acceptance model was integrated with AI-library dynamics.