Augmenting Knowledge Access: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Next-Generation Digital Libraries
Shridhar Shirahatti, O Maranna · International Journal of Research in Library Science · 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in digital library infrastructures, enabling more intelligent information retrieval, automated metadata creation, personalized discovery, enhanced accessibility, and predictive resource planning.Recent research between 2023 and 2025(Islam et al., 2025;;Huang et al., 2025;Zhang et al., 2025) highlights three dominant trends: the application of foundational AI technologies such as machine learning and natural language processing; the expansion of user-focused services like chatbots and adaptive recommendation systems; and growing attention to governance, ethics, and digital inclusion.Libraries are now employing AI to assist in cataloging, semantic search, virtual reference services, and accessibility tools for patrons with disabilities, while also confronting challenges including algorithmic bias, privacy risks, and the need for AI literacy among staff (Hasan, 2025;Oladokun et al., 2025).This article synthesizes recent scholarly developments, maps out major application domains, and explores ethical and operational challenges.It argues that AI should function as a collaborative partner to librarianship, with success hinging on transparent governance, human oversight, and capacity building to ensure equitable, sustainable, and value-driven digital library services..