Artificial Intelligence Skills and Competency Needs of Academic Librarians in the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Technology VOM, Plateau State

services 2.20 0.92 Disagreed 5 I am aware that AI tools can improve information retrieval in libraries 2.30 0.95 Disagreed 6 I am aware of AI applications in digital library systems 2.10 0.99 Disagreed 7 I am aware that AI technologies can assist in user data analysis and recommendation systems 2.70 0.95 Agreed Sectional Mean 2.54 0.94 Agreed Criterion Mean = 2.50 N = 10 Table 1 presents the mean responses of 10 librarians on their awareness of Artificial Intelligence technologies in library services. Three of the seven items recorded mean scores above the criterion mean of 2.50, indicating agreement with the statements. The highest mean score was recorded for the statement “I am aware that Artificial Intelligence technologies are being used in modern libraries” (M = 3.30), followed by “I am familiar with the concept of Artificial Intelligence in information management” (M = 2.90). However, several items related to specific AI applications such as automated cataloguing, chatbots, and digital library systems recorded mean scores below the criterion mean, indicating low awareness in these areas. The sectional means of 2.54 suggests that librarians demonstrate moderate awareness of Artificial Intelligence technologies. Research Question Two: What Artificial Intelligence skills are possessed by librarians in the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Technology Vom, Plateau State? Table 2: Mean Responses on Artificial Intelligence Skills Possessed by Librarians S/N Item/Statement Mean Std. Dev. Decision 8 I possess basic digital literacy skills required for using AI- based tools 2.10 0.99 Disagreed 9 I can effectively use automated library management systems 2.30 0.95 Disagreed 10 I possess skills in managing electronic information resources 2.40 1.08 Disagreed 11 I can use advanced search tools and intelligent information retrieval systems 2.20 0.92 Disagreed 12 I have the ability to analyse user data for improving library services 1.90 0.74 Disagreed 13 I possess skills in managing digital databases and repositories 2.10 0.99 Disagreed 14 I have the ability to integrate emerging technologies into library services 1.80 0.79 Disagreed Sectional Mean 2.11 0.92 Disagreed Criterion Mean = 2.50 N = 10 Table 2 presents the mean responses of librarians on the Artificial Intelligence skills they possess. All the items recorded mean scores below the criterion mean of 2.50, indicating disagreement with the statements. The highest mean score was recorded for “I possess skills in managing electronic information resources” (M = 2.40), while the lowest mean score was recorded for “I have the ability to integrate emerging technologies into library services” (M = 1.80). The sectional means of 2.11 indicates that librarians generally possess low Artificial Intelligence-related competencies. Research Question Three: What is the Artificial Intelligence skill needs of librarians in the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Technology Vom, Plateau State? Table 3: Mean Responses on Artificial Intelligence Skill Needs of Librarians S/N Item/Statement Mean Std. Dev. Decision 15 Librarians need training on Artificial Intelligence technologies 3.70 0.48 Agreed 16 Librarians require skills in the use of AI-based information retrieval tools 3.60 0.52 Agreed 17 Librarians need skills in managing AI-driven digital library systems 3.70 0.48 Agreed 18 Librarians require training in data analytics for library services 3.60 0.52 Agreed 19 Librarians need skills in the use of AI-powered cataloguing tools 3.70 0.48 Agreed 20 Librarians require continuous professional development on emerging technologies 3.80 0.42 Agreed Sectional Mean 3.68 0.48 Agreed Criterion Mean = 2.50 N = 10 Table 3 presents the mean responses on the Artificial Intelligence skill needs of librarians. All six items recorded mean scores above the criterion mean of 2.50, indicating agreement with the statements. The highest mean score was recorded for “Librarians require continuous professional development on emerging technologies” (M = 3.80). The sectional means of 3.68 indicates that librarians strongly acknowledge the need for training and professional development in Artificial Intelligence-related skills. Research Question Four: What challenges affect the acquisition of Artificial Intelligence skills among librarians in the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Technology Vom, Plateau State? Table 4: Mean Responses on Challenges Affecting Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence Skills S/N Item/Statement Mean Std. Dev. Decision 21 Lack of training opportunities affects the acquisition of AI skills among librarians 3.70 0.48 Agreed 22 Inadequate ICT infrastructure limits the use of AI technologies in the library 3.50 0.71 Agreed 23 Limited funding affects librarians’ access to AI training programmes 3.60 0.70 Agreed 24 Lack of institutional support affects the development of AI competencies 3.40 0.70 Agreed 25 Lack of awareness of AI technologies limits their adoption in libraries 3.50 0.71 Agreed Sectional Mean 3.54 0.66 Agreed Criterion Mean = 2.50 N = 10 Table 4 presents the mean responses on the challenges affecting the acquisition of Artificial Intelligence skills among librarians. All five items recorded mean scores above the criterion mean of 2.50, indicating agreement with the statements. The highest mean score was recorded for “Lack of training opportunities affects the acquisition of AI skills among librarians” (M = 3.70). The sectional means of 3.54 indicates that librarians generally agree that training opportunities, ICT infrastructure, funding, and institutional support are major challenges affecting the acquisition of AI competencies. Discussion of Findings The findings of this study revealed that librarians in the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Technology Vom demonstrate moderate awareness of Artificial Intelligence technologies. The results showed that while librarians are generally aware that Artificial Intelligence technologies are being used in modern libraries and possess some familiarity with the concept of AI in information management, their awareness of specific AI applications such as automated cataloguing, chatbots, and digital library systems remains relatively low. This finding suggests that although AI is increasingly discussed within the library profession, practical understanding of its operational applications in library services is still limited among many librarians. This finding is consistent with earlier studies which reported that awareness of emerging technologies among librarians does not always translate into adequate understanding of their applications in library services (Chowdhury, 2020; Cox, 2021). Studies have also indicated that many information professionals are aware of technological trends but lack sufficient exposure to the operational aspects of Artificial Intelligence tools used in modern libraries (Asemi & Asemi, 2018). The findings further revealed that librarians possess low Artificial Intelligence-related skills and competencies. The results indicated that most librarians disagreed with statements suggesting that they possess skills in areas such as advanced search systems, user data analysis, digital database management, and integration of emerging technologies into library services. This implies that although librarians may be aware of Artificial Intelligence technologies, they still lack the technical competencies required to effectively implement AI-driven services in libraries. This finding supports previous studies which reported that many librarians in developing countries lack adequate technological competencies needed to adopt emerging digital technologies (Asemi & Asemi, 2018; Cox, 2021). Similarly, research has shown that limited exposure to Artificial Intelligence training contributes to low AI-related skill levels among information professionals (Peters, 2019). Another important finding of the study revealed that librarians strongly acknowledge the need for Artificial Intelligence-related training and professional development. All the items relating to AI skill needs recorded mean scores above the criterion mean, indicating strong agreement among respondents that training in AI technologies, data analytics, AI-powered cataloguing, and AI-based information retrieval systems is necessary. This finding indicates that librarians recognize the importance of developing new competencies to remain relevant in the evolving information environment. The result aligns with earlier studies which emphasized the need for continuous professional development in digital and Artificial Intelligence competencies for library professionals (Cox, 2021; Lankes, 2016). Similarly, Peters (2019) noted that librarians must continually update their technological skills in order to effectively support digital information services in modern knowledge environments. The study also identified several challenges affecting the acquisition of Artificial Intelligence skills among librarians. The findings revealed that lack of training opportunities, inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited funding, and insufficient institutional support significantly affect librarians’ ability to acquire AI competencies. Among these challenges, lack of training opportunities recorded the highest mean score, indicating that it is the most significant barrier faced by librarians. This finding corroborates previous research which identified inadequate infrastructure, poor funding, and lack of training opportunities as major barriers to the adoption of emerging technologies in libraries (Ehikhamenor, 2020; Cox, 2021). Similarly, Pinfield, Cox, and Rutter (2020) observed that institutional support and adequate technological infrastructure are critical factors that influence the successful adoption of innovative technologies in academic libraries. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that although librarians demonstrate some level of awareness of Artificial Intelligence technologies, they still lack the practical competencies required to effectively implement AI-driven library services. The strong demand for training and the identification of several institutional challenges suggest the need for strategic interventions aimed at improving AI literacy and professional development among librarians. Addressing these challenges will enable libraries to effectively adapt to the rapidly evolving digital information environment. Conclusion This study examined the Artificial Intelligence skills and competency needs of librarians in the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Technology Vom, Plateau State. The findings revealed that librarians demonstrate a moderate level of awareness of Artificial Intelligence technologies in library services. However, awareness of specific AI applications such as automated cataloguing, chatbots, and digital library systems remains relatively limited. The study also revealed that librarians possess generally low Artificial Intelligence-related skills and competencies required for the effective implementation of AI-driven library services. Furthermore, the findings indicated that librarians strongly acknowledge the need for training and professional development in Artificial Intelligence technologies, including AI-based information retrieval tools, data analytics, and AI-powered cataloguing systems. The study also identified several challenges affecting the acquisition of AI competencies among librarians, including lack of training opportunities, inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited funding, and insufficient institutional support. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that although librarians are increasingly aware of the relevance of Artificial Intelligence in modern library operations, their current level of AI competencies remains inadequate for effective adoption and integration of AI technologies in library services. Addressing the identified skill gaps and institutional challenges is therefore essential for enhancing the capacity of librarians to effectively function in an increasingly AI- driven information environment. Recommendations Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made: 1. Training programs on Artificial Intelligence technologies should be organized for librarians to enhance their knowledge and practical competencies in the use of AI- driven library tools and systems. 2. Library management and institutional authorities should invest in adequate ICT infrastructure to support the integration and effective utilization of Artificial Intelligence technologies in library operations. 3. Professional bodies and library associations should organize workshops, seminars, and continuous professional development programmes focused on Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies in librarianship. 4. Government and institutional stakeholders should provide adequate funding for technology training and digital transformation in libraries to enable librarians acquire relevant AI competencies. 5. Library schools and training institutions should incorporate Artificial Intelligence and emerging technology courses into their curriculum in order to adequately prepare future librarians for the demands of the evolving digital information environment. References Aina, L. O. (2021). Library and information science text for Africa (4th ed.). 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