Leveraging artificial intelligence for sustainable knowledge organisation in academic libraries

Abstract

This study explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing knowledge organisational practices within academic libraries, focusing on promoting sustainability in information management. The research investigated the potential of AI-driven tools and technologies to optimise resource utilisation, improve user experiences and contribute to environmentally conscious library practices. A literature review and case studies of AI implementation in academic libraries was done. The study analysed existing AI applications for knowledge organisation, evaluated their impact on sustainability metrics and gathered practitioners’ insights regarding challenges, opportunities, and best practices. The research findings revealed that AI offers significant benefits for sustainable knowledge organisation in academic libraries. AI-driven automation streamlines cataloguing processes, enhances metadata enrichment, and enables personalised information services, leading to resource efficiency gains and improved user satisfaction. Ethical considerations regarding data privacy, algorithmic transparency and user empowerment are addressed, emphasising the importance of responsible AI governance. The study concludes that AI can potentially revolutionise knowledge organisation practices in academic libraries, aligning with sustainable development goals. By leveraging AI technologies responsibly, libraries can optimise information workflows, promote digital literacy, and contribute to a more inclusive and environmentally conscious information ecosystem. The study recommends that libraries invest in AI education and training for staff to effectively harness AI capabilities. Libraries, AI developers and stakeholders should collaborate to co-create ethically sound AI solutions. AI applications should be monitored and evaluated continuously to ensure alignment with sustainability objectives and user needs. This research contributes to the field’s originality field by examining the intersection of AI, knowledge organisation and sustainability in academic libraries. It offers insights into the transformative potential of AI for library practices and underscores the importance of ethical AI adoption for responsible information management. The findings provide practical recommendations for libraries to leverage AI as a strategic asset for sustainable knowledge organisation and user empowerment.