Publication Type

Presentation

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

8-2026

Abstract

Academic libraries worldwide are rapidly experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance research, learning, discovery, operations, and user engagement. However, many institutions continue to approach AI adoption primarily through isolated pilots, individual experimentation, or technology-centric initiatives. While these efforts generate innovation, they often struggle to scale sustainably without corresponding organisational capability development. This presentation argues that AI-ready libraries require AI-ready librarians and proposes an organisational capability approach for sustainable AI transformation in academic libraries. Drawing from the development of a library-wide AI strategy plans at Singapore Management University, the presentation explores how AI capability-building can be operationalised across diverse functional domains including education, research support, collections, infrastructure, analytics, and user engagement. The session introduces a framework built around four foundational enablers: structured staff capability development, collaborative experimentation, governance frameworks, and infrastructure investment. It further examines how libraries can move beyond generic AI literacy initiatives toward role-based capability development tailored to different operational contexts, while balancing innovation with ethical and responsible AI practices.

Discipline

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics | Library and Information Science

Publication

2026 Forum on Future of World Academic Libraries (WAL), Fuzhou, China, August 4-7, 2026

First Page

1

Last Page

21

Embargo Period

8-5-2026

Additional URL

https://wal.oversea.cnki.net/en/2026/Agenda-2026.html

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