The Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU) has pledged to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into academic libraries in a responsible manner, aiming to enhance knowledge delivery and remain relevant in an evolving digital environment.
The commitment followed the association’s 113th meeting and workshop in Abuja, organised by the Nigerian University Library Consortium (NULIB) under the theme: “The Future of Libraries: Leveraging AI Innovations, Tools, and Applications.”
Participants, including librarians, systems analysts and AI literacy experts, discussed how AI tools can reshape library services.
AULNU Chair, Professor Angela Ebele Okpala, stated that autonomous operations, predictive technologies, and digital adoption are vital for the survival of libraries in the age of intelligent technologies.
Professor Andrew Haruna, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, chaired the opening session, stressing the importance of university libraries as hubs of innovation rather than mere repositories of books.
Dr O.T. Emiri, speaking on behalf of NULIB Chairperson Bukky Asubiojo, described libraries as “enduring legacies of human civilisation” that must adapt to emerging technologies.
The workshop featured practical demonstrations of AI tools, including the AI Librarian Mentor (Bibliomentor) and AI Reference Librarian, presented by digital librarian Sylvester Israel Ebhonu. Delegates recommended policy frameworks, infrastructure investment and ethical guidelines to guide AI adoption in libraries.
Closing the event, Mrs Asubiojo urged librarians to continue “learning, unlearning and up-skilling,” saying AI would only replace those unwilling to adapt.
The association stated that it would strive to ensure Nigerian university libraries remain globally competitive while meeting local knowledge needs.
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