ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ADOPTION AND USE IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN  KENYA: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, READINESS FACTORS AND POLICY  IMPLICATIONS.

Wasike ,  J.; Z, Kimote

Wasike , J. Kirinyaga University, KENYA
Z, Kimote Daystar University

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Academic Libraries, Digital Transformation, Technology Adoption, Research Support Services, Kenya, TOE Framework, AI Governance.

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming academic libraries by driving breakthroughs in information discovery, automation of library operations, enhancing research analytics, and personalized user services.
This paper examines AI adoption and use in academic libraries in Kenya, focusing on current applications,opportunities, barriers, readiness factors, and overarching policy implications. This study adopted a
Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach guided by the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) Framework. Literature published between 2020 and 2025 was retrieved and synthesized from
leading scholarly databases, professional reports, and policy documents. Findings indicate that AI presents robust opportunities for intelligent information retrieval, automated cataloguing, virtual
reference services, research analytics, digital preservation, and advanced knowledge discovery. Notably,however, systemic adoption remains at an emerging stage due to inadequate ICT infrastructure, financial
limitations, insufficient AI competencies among information professionals, ethical anxieties, resistance to organizational change and lack of formalized governance frameworks. We recommend strategic
investment in digital infrastructure, development of institutional AI policies, continuous professional development initiatives, ethical governance mechanisms, and integration of AI competencies into modern
Library and Information Science (LIS) education curricula.