AI for User Analytics & Personalized Library Services

 

By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center
Series: AI Transformation in Libraries (Part 5 of 10)

Introduction

Libraries today serve highly diverse user communities—students, researchers, professionals, and lifelong learners—each with distinct information needs and usage behaviors. Traditional “one-size-fits-all” services are no longer sufficient in an era of digital abundance and user-centric expectations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables libraries to move from generic services to data-driven, personalized, and adaptive user experiences. Through user analytics, AI helps libraries understand how users interact with resources and design services that are more relevant, timely, and impactful.

 

AI in Collection Development & Resource Management

 

By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center
Series: AI Transformation in Libraries (Part 4 of 10)

 Introduction

Collection Development (CD) and Resource Management (RM) are the strategic engines of library growth. Traditionally, these workflows rely on circulation statistics, user requests, expert judgment, and periodic assessments. However, with the explosion of digital content, datasets, open-access materials, and user-generated needs, these manual approaches often fall short.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now emerging as a transformative force—bringing predictive analytics, automated decision-making, and evidence-based strategies to CD & RM. AI supports librarians in building smarter, user-centered, and future-ready collections.

 

AI in Cataloguing & Metadata Services: Automation, Accuracy, and the Future of Library Technical Processing

By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center
Series: AI Transformation in Libraries (Part 3 of 10)

Introduction

Cataloguing and metadata creation have traditionally been the backbone of library operations. These processes ensure that information resources are organized, discoverable, and accessible.
But they are also time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error—especially as libraries now manage books, articles, digital repositories, multimedia, datasets, and institutional outputs.

Enter Artificial Intelligence.

AI-powered automation is redefining how libraries create, enrich, and maintain metadata. From auto-classification to entity extraction, AI is accelerating workflows and enabling librarians to focus on higher-level knowledge structuring.

 

1. How AI Is Transforming Cataloguing Workflows

1.1 Automated Metadata Extraction

AI tools can read a document’s:

• Title
• Abstract
• Keywords
• References
• Section headings

…and automatically extract metadata fields.

AI in Reference and Information Services: Enhancing Smart User Support

 

By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center
Series: AI Transformation in Libraries (Part 2 of 10)

Introduction

Reference and Information Services (RIS) are the heart of library operations—where user queries transform into meaningful knowledge experiences. With Artificial Intelligence entering mainstream library workflows, RIS is undergoing a profound shift from reactive assistance to predictive, context-aware, and personalized support.

AI does not replace reference librarians; rather, it enhances their capacity, enabling them to provide faster, deeper, and smarter user support.

 

1. AI Tools Transforming Reference Services

1.1 AI Chatbots for 24/7 Virtual Reference

AI-powered chatbots such as LibbyBots, EVA, or custom GPT-based agents provide:

• Round-the-clock support
• Answering FAQs
• Library orientations
• Basic reference guidance
• Resource discovery assistance

These systems reduce wait time and free librarians to focus on advanced queries.

 

Introduction to AI in Libraries: Concepts, Opportunities & the New Knowledge Frontier

By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center
Series: AI Transformation in Libraries (Part 1 of 10)

Libraries are entering a new era of innovation—one shaped not by shelves or digital databases alone but by Artificial Intelligence (AI). From intelligent search to autonomous cataloguing, AI is rapidly transforming how libraries operate, support users, and envision their future role in society.

This first blog in the series explores what AI really means, why it matters for libraries, and how it is redefining the modern information ecosystem.

 

1. What Is Artificial Intelligence in the Library Context?

Artificial Intelligence refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. In libraries, AI is not limited to robots or chatbots—it spans a spectrum of technologies that process, analyze, recommend, and even generate information.

Core AI Technologies Relevant to Libraries

• Machine Learning (ML) – systems that learn from patterns (e.g., predicting book demand)
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) – understanding and generating human language (e.g., automated indexing)
• Computer Vision – identifying images or documents (e.g., smart scanning tools)
• Generative AI – creating text, summaries, translations, or metadata
• Recommendation Engines – like those used in e-commerce to suggest books or research resources
• Automation & Robotics – for circulation, sorting, or inventory management

Together, these technologies support a new generation of smart library services.

 

XR Safety, Ethics & Accessibility in Libraries: Ensuring Responsible Immersive Experiences

5th Blog in the XR-in-Libraries Series

By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center 

Extended Reality (XR) technologies—encompassing AR, VR, and MR—have become integral tools for education, skill training, research support, and digital literacy programs in modern libraries. However, with these opportunities comes an essential responsibility: creating safe, ethical, and accessible XR environments for all users.

As libraries evolve into immersive learning laboratories, XR governance becomes just as important as XR hardware. This blog outlines the core safety, ethical, and accessibility frameworks librarians must adopt to ensure these technologies are inclusive, secure, and responsible.

 

1. Understanding XR Risks in Library Settings

While XR opens pathways for immersive learning, it also introduces physical, psychological, and digital risks:

Physical Risks

• Collisions due to limited spatial awareness
• Tripping over cables or furniture
• Eye strain and dizziness during prolonged sessions
• Motion sickness, especially in fast-moving VR content

Psychological Risks

• Over-immersion causing emotional distress
• Exposure to age-inappropriate or sensitive content
• Difficulty distinguishing virtual versus real environments

Digital & Data Risks

• Tracking of eye movements, gestures, and user biometrics
• Cloud-based storage of usage patterns
• Privacy vulnerabilities in third-party XR platforms

Libraries must recognize these risks early and build policies around them.

 

Training Librarians for XR Competencies: Building Skills for the Immersive Future of Libraries

 

4th Blog in the XR-in-Libraries Series
By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center

As libraries evolve into technology-rich learning hubs, the role of librarians is rapidly shifting from traditional information mediators to immersive technology facilitators, digital creators, and XR learning mentors. For libraries to successfully implement AR, VR, and MR services, librarians must be equipped with the right XR competencies, pedagogical skills, and digital confidence.

This blog outlines the essential skills, training models, and capacity-building strategies that libraries and LIS schools must adopt to prepare a workforce capable of leading XR-enabled learning environments.

 

Why Librarians Need XR Skills

Reason	Description
Libraries are becoming XR Learning Labs	XR adoption is growing in academic, public, and special libraries.
Users need hands-on support	Librarians must guide students, researchers, and community members in XR usage.
XR literacy is part of digital literacy	Understanding spatial computing is the next frontier.
New services demand new competencies	XR content creation, 3D modeling, and immersive pedagogy require training.
LIS professions are evolving	Future librarians will manage immersive content, XR labs, and experiential learning spaces.

 

Core XR Competencies for Librarians

Librarians need a blend of technical, pedagogical, managerial, and safety-focused skills to effectively run XR services.

 

1. Technical Competencies

Device & Hardware Handling

• VR headset setup (Meta Quest, HTC Vive, Pico)
• MR devices (HoloLens, Magic Leap)
• AR-enabled tablets & smartphones
• 360° cameras and spatial audio devices

Software & Tools

• AR creation tools (Assemblr, Zappar, Adobe Aero)
• VR environments (Unity, Unreal Engine)
• 3D modelling (Tinkercad, Blender)
• 3D asset platforms (Sketchfab, Polycam)

Lab Management

• Device calibration & troubleshooting
• Room-scale safety configurations
• Hardware cleaning & maintenance
• Network and storage management

 

XR Content Creation in Libraries: Empowering Users and Expanding Digital Possibilities

3rd Blog in the XR-in-Libraries Series
By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center

Extended Reality (XR)—an umbrella term covering Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—is no longer limited to industry and gaming. Libraries are now becoming active producers of XR content, helping learners, researchers, and community members create immersive digital experiences.

As AI, 3D modeling tools, and no-code XR platforms become more accessible, libraries can evolve from XR consumers to XR creators, adding new value to education, digital literacy, and community innovation.

 

Why XR Content Creation Matters in Libraries

Benefit	Description
Promotes Digital Creativity	Users learn 3D design, storytelling, and spatial media skills.
Supports STEM and Vocational Education	Enables simulation-based learning and virtual prototyping.
Boosts Research & Innovation	XR becomes a tool for data visualization, architecture, archaeology, and medical studies.
Strengthens Library Visibility	XR labs attract partnerships, grants, and collaborations.
Empowers Local Communities	Cultural heritage digitization and AR storytelling projects thrive.

 

Types of XR Content Libraries Can Help Create

1. 360° Photos & Videos

• Virtual campus tours
• Local history documentation
• Event capturing
• Makerspace tutorials

Tools: Insta360, GoPro Max, Google Street View Studio

How to build XR Labs in Libraries: A Practical Guide for Implementing AR/VR/MR Services

 

2nd Blog in the XR-in-Libraries Series

By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center

Libraries across the world are evolving from passive information centres into active creators of immersive learning experiences. After understanding the potential of AR/VR/MR, the next major step for forward-looking libraries—academic, public, or special—is the creation of an XR Lab.

An XR Lab (Extended Reality Lab) is a dedicated space where users can explore Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR) and 360° digital environments for learning, training, research, and innovation.

This guide outlines how librarians can plan, design, implement, and sustain an XR-enabled learning environment.

 

1. Why Libraries Need XR Labs

Libraries with XR Labs gain significant advantages:

• Support for STEM, vocational, technical, and professional learning
• Opportunities for immersive research (anatomy, architecture, engineering)
• Hands-on simulation-based learning
• Enhanced information literacy and digital literacy
• Increased user engagement and footfall
• Establishment of the library as a technology and innovation hub

AR/VR/MR in Libraries: Transforming User Experience Through Immersive Technologies

 

1st Blog in the XR-in-Libraries Series

By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center

What is AR, VR, and MR? (Quick Infographic)

Technology	What It Does	User Devices
AR – Augmented Reality	Adds digital elements on top of the real world	Mobile, Tablet, AR Glasses
VR – Virtual Reality	Creates a fully immersive digital world	VR Headset + Controllers
MR – Mixed Reality	Merges digital objects with the physical world and allows interaction	HoloLens, Magic Leap

 

Why XR (AR/VR/MR) Matters for Libraries

Libraries are shifting from information storage to experiential learning ecosystems. XR enables:

• Immersive learning experiences
• Enhanced visualization for complex subjects
• Collaborative and interactive learning
• Skill-based, hands-on simulations
• High engagement and curiosity-driven exploration

 

Call for Papers – upcomming issue (Vol. 1, Issue 2) of JLII

 Call for Papers – upcomming issue (Vol. 1, Issue 2) of Journal of Library Insights & Innovations

• ISSN: 3107-9652

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII), a Gold Open Access journal dedicated to advancing research and practice in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). We invite researchers, academicians, LIS professionals, and scholars to submit their original research articles, case studies, review papers, and innovative practices for the upcomming Issue (Vol. 1, Issue 2), scheduled for publication in December 2025.

Scope & Topics

The journal welcomes contributions on, but not limited to, the following areas:
✔ Library Management & Services
✔ Open Source Software for Libraries
✔ Digital Libraries & Institutional Repositories

Launch of the Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII)

 

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII), published by DrLibSc.

JLII is an open access journal created to bring together librarians, educators, researchers, and information professionals to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and showcase innovations in Library and Information Science.

Our first issue features a diverse set of contributions that highlight the evolving role of libraries in a digital era. All articles are freely available under the Creative Commons (CC BY 4.0) license, ensuring global accessibility and visibility.

We sincerely thank the authors, reviewers, and advisory/editorial team whose support has made this inaugural issue possible. We warmly invite the LIS community worldwide to read, contribute, and join us in shaping JLII into a platform of innovation and collaboration.

👉 Explore the inaugural issue here

Warm regards,

Niranjan Mohapatra
Managing Editor
Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII)
Published by DrLibSc

Registration for UGC-NET DEC 2025 is going on

 

About UGC-NET

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been entrusted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with the task of conducting UGC-NET, which is a Test to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for ‘Award of Junior Research Fellowship’ ,  ‘Appointment as Assistant Professor’, ‘Appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.’ and ‘Admission to Ph.D. only’ in Indian Universities and Colleges. The UGC-NET is being conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode w.e.f. December 2018 onwards.

Awarding Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and/ or Eligibility for Assistant Professorship and/ or Admission to Ph.D only depends on the aggregate performance of the candidate in Part-I and Part-II of UGC-NET. The candidates qualifying under the ‘appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D.’ category will be eligible for appointment as Assistant Professor and admission to Ph.D. but not for the award of JRF. The candidates qualifying under the ‘admission to Ph.D. only’ category will be eligible for admission to Ph.D. only but not for the award of JRF and/or appointment as Assistant Professor.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND DATES AT A GLANCE 

• Online registration and submission of Application Form (complete in all respects) through NTA Website: https://ugcnet.nta.nic.in/  07th October 2025 to 07th November 2025 (upto 11:50 P.M.) 
• Last date for successful transaction of Examination fee (through Credit Card/ Debit Card/Net Banking/UPI Payment Modes 07th November 2025 (upto 11:50 P.M.) 

Call for Papers–Inaugural Issue (Vol. 1, Issue 1) of Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII)

Call for Papers –

Inaugural Issue (Vol. 1, Issue 1) of Journal of Library Insights & Innovations

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII), a Gold Open Access journal dedicated to advancing research and practice in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). We invite researchers, academicians, LIS professionals, and scholars to submit their original research articles, case studies, review papers, and innovative practices for the Welcome Issue (Vol. 1, Issue 1), scheduled for publication in June 2025.

Scope & Topics

The journal welcomes contributions on, but not limited to, the following areas:

✔ Library Management & Services

✔ Open Source Software for Libraries

✔ Digital Libraries & Institutional Repositories

✔ Emerging Trends in Information Science

✔ Information Literacy & User Studies

✔ Artificial Intelligence in Libraries

✔ Data Management & Research Support Services

✔ Open Access, Open Science, & Scholarly Communication

✔ Plagiarism Detection & Academic Integrity

✔ Innovations in Library Technology & Automation

Submission Guidelines:

Deadline for Submission: 31/05/2025

Peer Review: Double-blind peer review process

Submission Link: make a new submission here on the journal page  https://journal.drlibsc.com/index.php/jlii (Online Submission Only)

Why Publish with Us?

Gold Open Access – Immediate & free access to published content

DOI & Indexing – Ensuring wider visibility & citation impact

Rigorous Peer Review – Maintaining high research integrity

We look forward to your valuable contributions in making this inaugural issue a success!

For more details, visit [https://journal.drlibsc.com/index.php/jlii ] or contact us at [drlibscjournal@gmail.com].

Join us in shaping the future of LIS research and innovation!

--

Prof. (Dr.) Jyotshna Sahoo

Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Library Insights & Innovations (JLII)

Professor & Head, Dept. of Library and Information Science,

Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences,

Berhampur University, Odisha, India