ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A TOOL FOR LIBRARY SERVICES AND LEARNING AMONG TERTIARY INSTITUTION STUDENTS IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN OYO STATE

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed learning in tertiary institutions by enhancing library services, teaching methodologies, and student learning experiences. This study investigates the availability, acquaintance level, and usage rate of AI tools in Oyo State tertiary institution libraries; and evaluates their relationship with students’ learning outcomes. Sample data from 1,131 respondents purposively chosen from 11,310 final year students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso and University of Ibadan, were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Research instrument titled Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Learning (AITL) was used for the study. The reliability figures for the variables were: AI availability- 0.7, AI usage- 0.7, Acquaintance level- 0.7 while AI usage in students’ learning-0.7. Simple percentage, mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions while regression was used to test the hypothesis. The findings reveal that AI tools, such as automated classification system, intelligent retrieval systems, and adaptive learning platforms, are not fully available. Also, students exhibited limited acquaintance with advanced AI applications like virtual teaching assistants and AI-driven personalized tools. Also, the usage rate of intelligent search engines and chatbots remains low, while classification tools and virtual learning systems are more frequently utilized. Hypothesis revealed a weak but statistically significant positive relationship (R = .180, p < .001) between AI-powered library services and students' learning, constitute 3.2% of the variance in learning outcomes. The findings underscore the need for improved availability and awareness of AI tools, as well as the removal of barriers to adoption, including digital literacy gaps and infrastructure limitations. This research highlights the transformative potential of AI in education and calls for strategic interventions to maximize its benefits in tertiary institutions.