LONDON, Sept. 9,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarivate
Plc (NYSE:CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative
intelligence, today launched its first Pulse of the
LibraryTM report. The report reveals that libraries are
in the early days of Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation.
Librarians are considering applications of AI that support the
library mission, particularly in enhancing content discovery and
increasing efficiency for their teams. However, there are notable
concerns, including a lack of AI expertise and tight budgets.
The report combines feedback from a survey of more than 1,500
librarians from across the world with qualitative interviews,
covering academic, national and public libraries. In addition to
the downloadable report, the accompanying microsite's dynamic and
interactive data visualizations enable rapid comparative analyses
according to regions and library types. The data is available for
free here.
Oren Beit-Arie, Senior Vice
President Strategy & Innovation at Clarivate said: "Clarivate
has long partnered with libraries as they have adapted to
technology advancements, fluctuating economies and evolving needs
of their communities. Generative AI is now reshaping the landscape
for all, including the library community, in a profound way.
We will continue to partner and help libraries think forward by
sharing our data and insights so they can continue to make critical
decisions, navigate roadblocks and champion their role in advancing
research, education and community engagement."
Key findings of the report include:
- Most libraries have an AI plan in place, or one in
progress: Over 60% of respondents are evaluating or
planning for AI integration.
- AI adoption is the top tech priority: AI-powered tools
for library users and patrons top the list of technology priorities
for the next 12 months, according to 43% of respondents.
- AI is advancing library missions: Key goals for
those evaluating or implementing AI include supporting student
learning (52%), research excellence (47%) and content
discoverability (45%), aligning closely with the mission of
libraries.
- Librarians see promise and pitfalls in AI
adoption: 42% believe AI can automate routine tasks,
freeing librarians for strategic and creative activities. Levels of
optimism vary regionally.
- AI skills gaps and shrinking budgets are top concerns.
Lack of expertise and budget constraints are seen as greater
challenges than privacy and security issues:
- Shrinking budgets: Almost half (47%) cite shrinking
budgets as their greatest challenge.
- Skills gap: 52% of respondents see upskilling as AI's
biggest impact on employment, yet nearly a third (32%) state that
no training is available.
- AI advancement will be led by IT: By combining the
expertise of heads of IT with strategic investment and direction
from senior leadership, libraries can move from consideration to
implementation of AI in the coming years.
- Regional priorities differ: Librarians' views on other
key topics such as sustainability, diversity, open access and open
science show notable regional diversity.
Derek Brown, Director of IT,
Rochester Hills Public Library said: "The future role of the
librarian will be characterized by a blend of traditional
responsibilities and new, technology-driven tasks. Even with AI,
librarians will continue to be indispensable guides in the
information age, fostering a community-centered approach while
embracing innovative technologies to enhance library services."
Beit-Arie concluded: "This global survey is a milestone in our
continuing conversation and partnership with the library community.
Through ongoing engagement and avenues beyond the Pulse of the
Library report such as our Academia AI Advisory Council, we
continue to listen to concerns, gain a deeper understanding of the
challenges and strategic priorities and work in partnership to
navigate a world of increasing complexity."
In early 2024, Clarivate launched the Academia AI Advisory
Council which features library and faculty leaders from
institutions across the globe. Their collective insights help guide
the responsible and innovative use of AI in academia, across
Clarivate AI solutions.
Explore the Pulse of the Library report here.
Survey methodology and demographics
The survey was hosted online from April to June 2024. Clarivate promoted it to academic,
national and public libraries through email, website pop-ups and
social media, and it was also shared with key stakeholders. The
survey was available to complete in English, Simplified and
Traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese languages.
Analysis was conducted in partnership with an external agency,
TBI Communications, with further qualitative interviews led by our
team. In total, 1,527 survey responses were analyzed, along with
several follow-up interviews. The majority of survey respondents
(76%) represented academic libraries, with 78% representing
university libraries. A range of roles, from Library Deans and
Directors to Heads of IT/technology services, participated,
although librarians represented the majority of respondents,
including 67% of the academic library responses. Regionally, just
under half of all responses came from the
United States (47%).
About Clarivate
Clarivate™ is a leading global provider of transformative
intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics,
workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia
& Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences &
Healthcare. For more information, please
visit www.clarivate.com
Media Contact:
Rachel
Scheer, Director, External Communications, Academia &
Government
newsroom@clarivate.com
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SOURCE Clarivate Plc