The Future of Academic Reference Services in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: An Overview

Abstract

The purpose of this study explores the deep impact of ChatGPT on reference services in academic libraries. Based on the identified research literature, this study used the method of descriptive content analysis to evaluate the general capabilities of generative AI applications, such as ChatGPT, to transform reference services in academic libraries. With the homepage of the Georgia Southern University Libraries, two experienced librarians examined the potential of generative AI applications like ChatGPT to impact future reference services in ever-changing academic libraries. Based on the word limit, this study only focused on a few key areas of reference services, such as chatbot, online chat, information literacy, and web search, in academic libraries. Also discussed are opportunities and challenges of generative AI applications for library creation and innovation in the age of artificial intelligence.