Transforming Medical Libraries: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies for Integrating Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

This study examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming medical libraries, focusing on identifying opportunities, challenges, and strategies for effective integration. Medical libraries, essential resources for healthcare professionals, are increasingly leveraging AI to improve information retrieval, data management, and user services. The study aims to analyze the benefits AI brings to medical libraries, the obstacles to its adoption, and best practices for implementation. To achieve this, three specific objectives guided the study. A qualitative approach was applied, using a systematic review of literature from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Articles published between 2020 and 2024 were included, with non-English publications excluded. Findings indicate that AI offers substantial benefits, including enhanced information retrieval, automated data management, and improved user engagement through personalized services and research support. However, challenges such as ethical issues, data privacy concerns, infrastructure needs, and staff training remain. The study concludes that, while AI holds great potential for advancing medical libraries, overcoming these challenges will require strategic planning, investment in infrastructure, and the use of transparent, explainable AI solutions.