INTRODUCTION

Like many other industries, library science has been profoundly impacted by the advent of artificial intelligence (AI).  Nowadays, libraries are actively involved in pushing innovation in information management and distribution via the application of artificial intelligence. They are no longer just passive warehouses of knowledge.  Google, IBM, Amazon, Netflix, and Expedia are among the renowned brands that have been enhancing their products and services with the use of AI and ML technologies as of late (Marr, 2019).

The integration of AI into library systems is causing a sea shift.  Intelligent, adaptive solutions that can foresee user needs and provide personalized experiences are gradually displacing more static methods of categorization and information retrieval.  Applications in agriculture, such as the identification of leaf diseases, provide an opportunity for machine learning to enhance data processing and decision-making.  The predictive and diagnostic capacities of AI might also have far-reaching effects on the veterinary medicine industry, among others.  Artificial intelligence (AI) is a game-changing technology that has the potential to completely transform the field of library and information science.  Libraries are embracing AI to improve efficiency, enhance client experiences, and provide new services, all while providing information and preserving historical knowledge.

The term "artificial intelligence" (AI) refers to a set of technologies that enable computers to do tasks normally performed by people, such as data analytics, machine learning, and natural language processing.  When libraries include AI, exciting new possibilities open up.  Algorithms and AI-powered systems make it easy for users to obtain and manage information, giving them quick access to what they need.  Using complex recommendation algorithms to provide individualized content based on patron interests may make library usage more engaging and relevant.

Additionally, AI has the potential to automate routine tasks, freeing up library staff to focus on more important patron services and outreach.  Data driven decision-making, made possible by AI's ability to filter through mounds of data, is fantastic for things like enhancing services, more efficiently allocating resources, and creating better collections.  New and exciting opportunities have arisen for libraries and schools as a result of the application of AI, which has revolutionized information retrieval, organizing, and distribution.  Public libraries in schools and universities are gold mines of information that motivate faculty and students to seek out new knowledge, think critically, and expand their horizons.

In order to meet the challenges of the modern digital world, more static, tech-driven methods must be replaced.  The unique social, cultural, and geographical conditions of Central India drive home the need of AI for libraries.   Libraries in the region struggle to provide adequate student services due to issues with infrastructure and resources.  These deficiencies may be filled up with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which provide novel approaches to increasing resource availability, streamlining operations, and facilitating remote access to digital libraries.  This project aims to comprehend the present and future of AI in college and school libraries in Central India by examining the implications on educational performance, accessibility, and resource management.

Teachers and students alike rely heavily on libraries to aid in their own personal and professional growth.  Through its extensive collection of books, papers, journals, and digital media, they provide an environment that is conducive to exploration, creativity, and intellectual curiosity.  For course requirements, research support, and the encouragement of lifelong learning, school libraries play an essential role.  An essential component of each educational institution's setting is its library.  Their curriculum-supporting resources are thoughtfully crafted to cater to the unique requirements of both instructors and students.  For instance, library materials are often chosen to enhance course material, student projects, and classroom discussions.  By offering quiet spaces where instructors and students may concentrate without distraction, libraries also encourage academic discipline and teamwork.

LITREATURE REVIEW

Huang et al. (2023) Their research showed that Chinese institutions placed a far larger emphasis on AI than UK university projects, suggesting that Chinese libraries are spearheading the adoption of AI technical solutions.  They listed insufficient funding, ethical concerns, and technological expertise as some of the problems.  They said that libraries need to engage with AI more deliberately if they want to enhance services while also addressing ethical issues.  Subaveerapandiyan and Gozali (2024) surveyed 386 academic library experts to find out what they think about AI in libraries.  Despite the fact that these experts see AI's promise (e.g., in making decisions and increasing accessibility), they are apprehensive about AI replacing people and have ethical issues (e.g., about bias and privacy).

Lin et al. (2023) The article "Application of AI in Library Digital Reading Promotion Service" explores the ways in which artificial intelligence is influencing library services, particularly in relation to digital reading promotion.  Libraries have both opportunities and challenges in the new era of great intelligence as they strive to adapt their services to satisfy client requirements.  Companies that provide digital reading marketing services are known as data aggregators.  This article underlines the need of libraries adapting to meet the needs of its customers in light of the growing popularity of online reading.  Library users' interests and reading habits may be better met with the help of AI, which can analyze user preferences and read history to provide personalized recommendations.  Now that libraries have this technology, they can provide users tailored suggestions based on factors like how long they spend reading a certain book or article.

Yuan, Xu. (2023)  a study was conducted that year on the use of AI in library settings.  This study examines the existing literature on artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries and the many ways AI is influencing related industries.  Data mining, machine learning, optical character recognition (OCR), knowledge mapping (KM), and natural language processing (NLP) are the six technologies that are specifically examined, along with their potential applications in libraries.  This paper provides a concise overview of the results from AI's real-world library applications, explores AI's impact on library evolution and change, and evaluates the current status of various AI tools used in the field.  Another thing it does is bring attention to specific issues libraries may face when implementing AI-related technologies.

Hussain (2023) The potential benefits and drawbacks of using artificial intelligence into library services.  The research method used in this qualitative study was content analysis.  Research shows that AI has great promise for improving library services; yet, there are a lot of obstacles that can prevent its widespread adoption, including a lack of funding, negative librarian attitudes, and a lack of technical expertise.  The findings show that libraries might be drastically changed and their growth could be accelerated by artificial intelligence (AI).  Information specialists and librarians may benefit from a variety of low-cost AI applications that the article identifies.

Zhang (2022) investigated the novel uses of AI in the management of libraries.  The study's overarching goal was to improve library patron service and employee productivity by modeling library operations after ant colony optimization neural networks.  This model's results are trustworthy and dependable since they are based on thorough scientific study. The model combines the ant colony optimization approach with library reader service assessment.  Testing in a library environment demonstrated the model's effectiveness.  The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to library administration opens the door to intelligent and information-rich library design, which might completely transform the library industry.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This investigation makes use of both descriptive and exploratory research methods.  The descriptive section attempts to provide a thorough assessment of the existing state of library systems in Central India, while the exploratory section investigates potential AI solutions to current issues.

Study Area

Academic libraries in the Central India area are the primary subject of this study. This location has been selected because of the specific geographical and sociopolitical issues that affect the availability and effectiveness of library services in this region.

Data Collection

Primary Data Collection: Librarians, teachers, and students are polled using structured questionnaires to get numerical data on library use, technology acceptance, and patron happiness.  Library directors, lawmakers, and IT experts are among the important parties surveyed using semi-structured interviews.

Secondary Data Collection : Books, scholarly articles, government records, and internet databases are the primary sources of secondary data.  Research on AI for libraries, reporting on education in different regions, and information on the technology infrastructure in Central India are all part of this.

Sampling Methodology

Government schools, private universities, and rural libraries are all represented via the employment of a stratified random sample approach.

As part of the sample:  Forty-five librarians a hundred professors and instructors  two hundred students from a range of academic backgrounds

DATA ANAYLSIS

According to Table 1 and Fig 1, the majority of distance learners (54/33.3%) do not visit their library very often; moreover, 38 (23.5%) visit once a month, and 38 (23.5%) visit once a week.  Only 7 people (4.3%) never set foot in a library, whereas 25 people (15.4%) do so every day.  The majority of distance learners do not visit the library very often, although a small percentage do so at least once a week or once a month.  Some respondents never set foot in a library, and even fewer do so on a regular basis.

Table 1: Showing frequency of visiting the library



Figure 1: Showing frequency of visiting the library

Table 2 and Fig 2 show that out of the total number of respondents, 126 (or 77.7%) are familiar with the term "digital literacy," whereas 36 (or 22.2% of the total) are not.  It follows that some distant learners still want clarification on the meaning of digital literacy, even if most of them are already familiar with the term.

Table 2: Showing awareness regarding concept of digital literacy



Figure 2: Showing awareness regarding concept of Digital Literacy

Table 3 and Fig 3 show that 132 respondents (or 81.5% of the total) are acquainted with the services and resources given by their library, whereas only 30 respondents (18.5%) are not.   This demonstrates that some remote learners still need reminders about the library's resources, even if the majority are already acquainted with them.

Table 3: Showing awareness regarding services and resources library offers



Figure 3: Showing awareness regarding services and resources library offers

Table 4 and Fig 4 show that 130 respondents, or 80.24 percent, prefer a mix of paper and digital sources for their information.  While seventeen (10.49%) choose electronic resources exclusively, fifteen (9.25%) prefer purely print materials.  Thus, it may be inferred that the majority of distant learners find comfort in a combination of print and electronic information forms, while a few are adept at utilizing just one.

Table 4: Showing preferred Information sources



Figure 4: Showing preferred information sources

Out of 162 respondents, 136 (83.9%) have significant knowledge of using the internet, 122 (75.3%) of social media, 111 (68.5%) of e-mail services, 90 (55.6%) of image/visual materials, 86 (53.1%) of audio materials, and 71 (43.82%) of the library's OPAC. This information is based on knowledge of various digital resources, as shown in Table 5 and Fig 5.  As a whole, only 61 people (37.5%) were familiar with the ins and outs of library electronic services.  The results show that distant learners aren't very tech savvy when it comes to the library's online catalog (OPAC) and other electronic resources.

Table 5: Showing knowledge of utilizing various digital resources



Figure 5: Showing knowledge of utilizing various digital resources

CONCLUSION

Artificial intelligence might be useful for libraries.  A Study on the Role of AI in Central Indian Libraries AI has the potential to improve data management and retrieval, user experiences, the automation of repetitive tasks, and decision-making via data analysis in many ways.  A fascinating new chapter is opening up for these age-old institutions with the inclusion and impacts of AI. However, there are some restrictions that need to be carefully considered and resolved, such as ethical concerns, technical hurdles, and concerns about job displacement.  Artificial intelligence (AI) is more than just a tool; it is a beacon that libraries may utilize to guide them toward a future where information is stored intelligently, accessible to everybody.  The AI-powered library is a symbol of progress in our industry and proof that we can use innovation for the greater good of society and knowledge.  One revolutionary technology that could radically alter the information science industry is artificial intelligence (AI).