ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A TOOL FOR PROMOTING INFORMATION LITERACY AMONG LIBRARY USERS

Abstract

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed information creation, access, organization, retrieval, and dissemination across academic, public, and special libraries. As information environments become increasingly complex, information literacy has become a critical competency for library users. Information literacy enables individuals to identify information needs, locate relevant information, evaluate sources critically, and use information ethically. Artificial Intelligence technologies, particularly generative AI systems, machine learning algorithms, intelligent search engines, recommender systems, chatbots, and virtual assistants, have introduced new opportunities for enhancing information literacy instruction and service delivery in libraries. This opinion paper examines AI as a strategic tool for promoting information literacy among library users. The paper argues that AI can significantly improve information literacy outcomes through personalized learning, intelligent information retrieval, research support services, and real-time user engagement. However, concerns relating to misinformation, algorithmic bias, privacy, ethical use, and overdependence on AI necessitate critical information literacy education. The paper concludes that librarians must play a leadership role in integrating AI into information literacy programs while ensuring ethical, transparent, and responsible use of AI technologies.