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