Bibliometric Analysis of Artificial Intelligence in Library Services: Research Trends and Insights

Abstract

This study examined the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in library services through a bibliometric review of existing research trends. A systematic search in the Scopus database was conducted to identify AI-related papers on library services published in English from 1987 up to March 2024. The key bibliometric indicators which are publication output, citation analysis, and co-citation networks, were analyzed using the VOS viewer application. The study methodology and analysis concentrated on English-language journal articles and conference papers that examined the application of AI technologies in library services, and operations, highlighting AI's increasing significance in the field. By excluding book chapters and standalone books, researchers were able to focus on the most pertinent studies, ultimately resulting in a dataset of 973 relevant papers for bibliometric analysis. The findings of the study revealed a gradual increase in publication trends from 1987 to 2024 showing an increase in research on artificial intelligence (AI) in library services, with annual publications rising from 20 before 2007 to over 140 publications in 2023, particularly after a significant surge in 2017. The United States leads in both publications (296) and citations (4,905), followed by China (151) and India (76), revealing disparities in contributions and suggesting barriers for India in citation impact. Co-citation analysis positions the U.S. as a central hub for international collaborations, notably with countries like South Korea and Japan, while also highlighting expanding networks in African nations. Furthermore, cluster analysis underscores the interconnectedness of topics like "libraries," "metadata," and "knowledge-based systems," reflecting AI's transformative role in library operations. However, the study's reliance on the Scopus database limits its scope by excluding relevant research from other databases and non-English publications.