Readiness for Adopting Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Academic Libraries of Pakistan

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The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies is transforming the role and functionality of academic libraries worldwide. The new technological solutions provide academic libraries with superior services and expanded access along with resource utilization enhancements. The successful implementation of these technologies depends on organizations which meet both infrastructure requirements and funding needs and have trained staff while maintaining organizational support. One hundred ninety-nine academic library professionals including librarians and assistant librarians and managers took part in our structured survey that investigated AI application in Pakistan's academic libraries. A Likert-scale questionnaire was used to evaluate knowledge levels and measure institutional readiness as well as training opportunities and perceived challenges. The data evaluation relied on descriptive statistics while SPSS performed the analysis which generated results presented in tables and graphs alongside charts. Research data shows that library professionals demonstrate an average to good command of artificial intelligence knowledge. The adoption of AI faces obstacles because libraries currently struggle with funding problems along with insufficient infrastructure and limited technical capabilities. Most survey participants saw AI's promise for improving library operations yet traditional reluctance alongside ethical uncertainties stood out as vital obstacles to adoption. To solve identified problems training alongside professional advancement programs were established as essential components. The adoption readiness of academic libraries in Pakistan for AI and emerging technologies falls between low and high readiness. The implementation gaps require libraries to invest in structural development along with extensive skill building courses and written policies for the responsible use of AI tools. Organizations must develop strategic plans and increase support for institutions to match worldwide technological developments that meet expanding user requirements.