Reimagining Academic Librarianship in Nigeria during the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence: Ethical, Professional and Policy Implications

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming higher education, with profound implications for academic libraries in developing nations like Nigeria. This study explored the ethical, professional, and policy aspects of AI adoption in Nigerian academic libraries, where digital demands meet infrastructural and governance limitations. Drawing on literature, professional standards, and international ethical frameworks, the study positioned academic librarians as key facilitators for responsible AI integration in teaching, research, and scholarly communication. It identifies ethical concerns (academic integrity, algorithmic bias, data privacy, intellectual property) and professional challenges (AI literacy gaps, digital pedagogy). The study noted the absence of coherent AI policies in Nigerian higher education. To address this, a conceptual framework for AI-empowered academic librarianship was proposed, emphasizing ethical values, professionalism, and governance. A core recommendation is mandatory AI literacy education for librarians, with institutional policies defining permissible usage and accountability. This framework offers a contextual, transferable model for responsible AI adoption in resource-constrained academic libraries, promoting equitable scholarly AI practices.