Generative artificial intelligence and university libraries in Latin America

This article explores the use of generative artificial intelligence in Latin American university libraries, discussing both its potential benefits and challenges. It emphasizes how generative artificial intelligence, which is capable of generating text, video, images, music, and code, is revolutionizing library operations by automating tasks and enhancing research and reference services. The research involved a literature review and interviews with library directors from six prominent universities, revealing varied levels of generative artificial intelligence adoption, from experimental to fully integrated within institutional frameworks. The challenges include staff resistance, training deficiencies, and technological constraints. The study is optimistic about the future of generative artificial intelligence in academic libraries, recommending ongoing training and clear policy development for its successful and ethical implementation. Major service providers like EBSCO, Clarivate, and Elsevier are also noted for their role in supporting this digital transition.