AI implementation and Middle East librarians’ anxiety: A survey

A methodological framework involving multiple sites and cross-culturally conducted in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates was used to analyze the relationship between anxiety levels of Arab librarians and the extent of their utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) within libraries. A rigorous quantitative research design was used to gather a web-based survey from a total of 450 librarians across the three countries. Owing to the international nature of the research, the findings of AI implementation levels and future professional anxiety can be generalized across a variety of cultures. A positive linear correlation exists (R = 0.721; p < 0.001) between anxiety and the level of AI implementation indicating that approximately 52% of the variation in anxiety was explained by changes in AI implementation levels. The level of AI implementation was greatest in the United Arab Emirates (M = 1.99), then in Saudi Arabia (M = 1.85) and lowest in Egypt (M = 1.72). Although a statistically non-significant difference existed between the three locations (F = 1.41; p = 0.25), a statistically significant difference did exist between the three countries with regard to the level of AI implementation (F = 4.49; p = 0.08). Use of radio-frequency identification technology (86.1%) and self-service kiosks (67.1%) comprised the most common uses of technology in the surveyed libraries; however, use of AI technology remained relatively low (41.7%). The major concern regarding economic and technological anxiety of librarians was identified as job security (M = 2.71) followed by economic concerns (M = 2.65). In general, the study points out the need to consider the psychological impacts of evolving technology in libraries. The study also identifies possible avenues through which library administrators and policy makers can develop targeted professional development programs to mitigate technology-related anxiety when implementing AI. Finally, the study provides evidence-based suggestions to address the psychological implications of evolving technologies in libraries.