Artificial Intelligence, User Psychology and Service Delivery in Academic Libraries in Nigerian Universities

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between artificial intelligence, user psychology, and service delivery in academic libraries in Nigerian universities. The study investigated how the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies influences users’ psychological responses, including perception, trust, satisfaction, acceptance, and information-seeking behaviour, as well as the effectiveness of library service delivery. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised undergraduate students, postgraduate students, lecturers, and library staff from selected federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria. A sample of 600 respondents was selected using multistage sampling techniques involving purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling methods. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Artificial Intelligence, User Psychology, and Library Service Delivery Questionnaire (AIUPLSDQ). Face and content validity were established by experts in educational psychology, library and information science, and measurement and evaluation, while reliability coefficients ranging from 0.78 to 0.91 were obtained using Cronbach’s alpha method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation, t-test, and multiple regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Pearson correlation and regression analyses revealed a significant positive relationship between artificial intelligence adoption and service delivery in academic libraries, r(598) = .684, p < .05. Findings also revealed that artificial intelligence usage significantly influenced users’ psychological responses, while user psychology significantly predicted service delivery effectiveness in academic libraries. Findings imply that effective integration of artificial intelligence technologies can enhance users’ psychological acceptance and improve the quality, accessibility, and responsiveness of academic library services in Nigerian universities. The study therefore recommended increased investment in AI technologies, digital infrastructure, and continuous user and staff training to enhance effective utilization of AI-based library services.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, User Psychology, Academic Libraries, Service Delivery, Nigerian Universities.