Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is among the major tools for teaching and research in higher education. This study explored AI literacy for LIS educators in the 21st century and its importance for teaching and research. The descriptive study employed a structured questionnaire to collect data from LIS educators in universities in Delta, Edo, and Rivers States, Nigeria. The study employed descriptive statistical tools for data analysis. The study found a high level of relevance of AI literacy to teaching effectiveness among LIS educators and that AI literacy enhances research productivity among the educators to a great extent. Also, the level of AI literacy among the LIS educators is high. The study concluded that improving AI literacy among LIS educators is essential for strengthening teaching effectiveness and enhancing research productivity. It was recommended that LIS departments should organize regular training, workshops, and professional development programmes on AI tools and applications to improve educators’ AI literacy. Universities and LIS departments should integrate AI literacy into teaching practices, while institutional management should provide access to AI tools and digital infrastructure to support research activities.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence literacy, Library and Information Science
educators, Research, Teaching