Artificial Intelligence for Next-Generation Academic Library Circulation
TL;DR
An AI-Informed Intelligent Library Circulation Concept (AI-ILC) is proposed that integrates these technologies into a unified service-oriented framework and identifies future research opportunities for empirical validation and practical implementation in higher education institutions.
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming academic libraries by enabling intelligent, efficient, and user-centred services. Although technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), mobile applications, recommendation systems, predictive analytics, and conversational agents have been adopted in many libraries, their implementation often remains fragmented. This conceptual paper proposes an AI-Informed Intelligent Library Circulation Concept (AI-ILC) that integrates these technologies into a unified service-oriented framework. Unlike technology-driven approaches, the proposed concept positions AI as a decision-support tool that complements librarians' expertise while enhancing user experience, operational efficiency, and evidence-based management. The model consists of five interconnected components: intelligent user access, intelligent circulation services, decision support, personalized user engagement, and continuous service improvement. The paper contributes to the growing discourse on AI-enabled academic libraries by providing a strategic conceptual framework for modernizing circulation services while preserving the professional values of librarianship, including privacy, accessibility, transparency, and equitable access. It further identifies future research opportunities for empirical validation and practical implementation in higher education institutions.