Human and Information Interaction

Academic Librarians’ Views on the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Information Dissemination

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research

Authors

Mohsen Nowkarizi
Nilofar Rasouli Arbab Din Mohammadi

Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

10.22034/hii.2026.115625.0
Abstract
Purpose: This study was undertaken to examine the perceptions of academic librarians concerning the role of artificial intelligence in the dissemination of information.
Method: This applied study was conducted using a survey method. The statistical population consisted of librarians working in 10 libraries (faculty and central libraries) of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, totaling 85 librarians. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula, and sampling was carried out randomly. In total, 59 librarians (47 from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and 12 from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences) responded to the questionnaire. The data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by experts in Knowledge and Information Science, and its reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Findings: The findings showed that librarians’ use of artificial intelligence in the information dissemination process was above average. However, the use of artificial intelligence to improve components such as privacy, efficiency, and flexibility in information dissemination was reported to be below average. In addition, no significant differences were found in the level of artificial intelligence use based on gender, field of study, educational level, or age.
Conclusion: The results indicate that although the use of artificial intelligence in the information dissemination process is relatively appropriate, its application in certain components such as privacy, efficiency, and flexibility remains limited. This situation may be due to factors such as lack of specialized skills, security concerns, and inadequate technological infrastructure. Therefore, strengthening specialized training, developing technological infrastructures, and formulating clear policies and guidelines for the safe use of artificial intelligence can facilitate more effective utilization of this technology in information dissemination services of academic libraries.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence
Information Dissemination
Privacy
Efficiency
Flexibility
academic libraries
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Human and Information Interaction

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 September 2026