Reimaging Information Retrieval: A Qualitative Study of Perception and Adoption of Artificial Intelligence by Librarians in Private Universities in Southwest Nigeria

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/FT.2026.005

Keywords

Artificial intelligence;, Digital literacy, Information retrieval, Socio-technical systems, Technology adoption

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into academic library information retrieval (IR) systems is transforming search practices globally, yet empirical evidence from Nigerian private universities remains limited. This qualitative study explores perceptions and adoption of AI in IR practices among 194 librarians at private universities in Southwest Nigeria, using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. A total of 36 participants were purposively selected as sample for the study. Data were collected using interviews, focus group discussions and document reviews. Findings reveal that librarians recognize AI as enhancing search precision, metadata quality and user satisfaction; however, adoption is constrained by limited technical expertise, infrastructural deficits, and the absence of formal AI policies. Ethical concerns, such as algorithmic bias and data privacy, also shape engagement with AI systems. The study concluded that effective AI integration requires human-AI collaboration, institutional support, targeted capacity-building, and context-sensitive governance frameworks. These insights provided practical guidance for library managers, policymakers and LIS educators aiming to harness AI responsibly in academic libraries, particularly for retrieval services.

Author Biographies

Adebola Aderemi Olatoye , The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

Dr. Adebola Aderemi Olatoye is a distinguished academic librarian and information professional from Oyo State, Nigeria. She holds a PhD in Library and Information Studies from the University of Ibadan and is a Certified Librarian of Nigeria (CLN). She is an active member of professional bodies, including the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) and the Association of Women Librarians in Nigeria (AWLIN). Currently serving as Seminary Librarian at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, she provides strategic leadership in library administration, digital transformation and academic support services. Dr. Olatoye has published widely in peer reviewed journals, book chapters and conference proceedings, with research interests in artificial intelligence, digital librarianship, knowledge management and information literacy. She is committed to advancing innovative, user centered library services and supporting research, education and ethical information use.

Afebuameh Aiyebelehin, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

Dr. Afebuameh James Aiyebelehin has a robust academic background in Library and Information Science, with a Ph.D. in Social Media and Libraries from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, complemented by a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (M.LIS) from the University of Ibadan, where he graduated with distinction, and Bachelor's of Science in LIS (First class Hons.). Currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Library and Information Science, Ambrose Alli University, he has over fifteen (15) years of teaching and research experience across undergraduate, Master's and doctoral programs. He is currently the managing editor of two academic journals where he manages the editorial and review processes for scholarly publications. He has contributed to about 40 publications in reputable academic outlets, and he is actively engaged in research in Artificial intelligence and information access. He is a recipient of many grants and fellowships including the Carnegie CPD grant (2016), Westerner University Data Science grant (2025), INASP grant (2018), Goethe Institut Grant (2018) etc.

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Folia Toruniensia

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Published

2026-11-06

How to Cite

Olatoye, A. A., & Aiyebelehin, A. (2026). Reimaging Information Retrieval: A Qualitative Study of Perception and Adoption of Artificial Intelligence by Librarians in Private Universities in Southwest Nigeria. Folia Toruniensia, 26, 109–123. https://doi.org/10.12775/FT.2026.005

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Vol. 26 (2026)

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