Institutional conditions shaping librarians’ AI roles in Poland and Zambia

This study explores the perceptions of academic librarians towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries and library services across two countries, Poland and Zambia. A qualitative research design was employed, including semi-structured interviews with 16 academic librarians – eight from Poland and eight from Zambia. Participants were purposefully selected to represent diverse demographics and professional experiences. The analysis identified four key themes: (1) Unlocking Opportunities – librarians were optimistic about AI's potential to streamline tasks and support teaching and research; (2) Navigating Barriers – challenges included infrastructure gaps, skills deficits, ethical concerns and the need for localized tools; (3) Redefining Roles – AI is reshaping librarianship, with librarians taking on roles as educators, policy advocates and verifiers; and (4) Contrasting contexts – Polish librarians prioritized oversight and verification, while Zambian librarians focused on institutional policies and user empowerment. Socio-economic and institutional contexts play a critical role in shaping how AI is perceived, adopted and applied in academic libraries. While AI offers transformative possibilities, its successful adoption requires careful consideration of local realities, along with investments in training, ethical guidelines and equitable access to resources.