Contributory factors to attitudes towards the adoption of artificial intelligence technology in public academic libraries in South Africa

This article investigates attitudes towards the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the public academic libraries of South Africa. It employed the mixed method research approach and the concurrent mixed method research design. The study's target population was 2565 library staff members (library managers, systems librarians, and general librarians), and policy documents from 26 public academic libraries in South Africa. A sample of 555 participants was selected, comprising 26 library managers and 26 systems librarians chosen through purposive sampling, while 503 librarians were sampled using proportional stratified random sampling. Data collection tools used comprised questionnaires, interviews, and content analysis. Data were analysed using thematic and descriptive statistical data analysis. Based on the findings, public academic libraries in South Africa generally have a positive attitude towards the adoption of AI technology, with only a few having a negative attitude. Furthermore, some employees were afraid that this technology would make them redundant by taking over their work. The major contributory factors to attitudes towards the adoption of AI include self-perception of AI knowledge, optimism and enthusiasm about AI, and concerns about job security. The article recommends that a positive outlook and optimistic attitude regarding the adoption of AI should be maintained. Additionally, AI training sessions and workshops to educate librarians who hold negative attitudes must be implemented to facilitate a shift in their perceptions towards the acceptance of AI.