Academic Library's Perspective for AI Integration: Case Study of Rhodes University Library

Authors

Anele Mabona, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa

Darelle van Greunen, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa

Kevin Kativu, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa

Published in

IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings

ISSN: 2576-8581

ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2

DOI: https://doi.org/10.67725/IST-Africa.2026.KXEN6578

Publisher

IST-Africa Institute and IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd

Published in Ireland

Abstract

Current rapid developments in AI necessitate the reimagination of processes for Academic Libraries. This study focused on Rhodes University Library (RUL) as a single case study to elicit the perceptions of RUL Staff members. A literature review was also conducted to gather initiatives by South African Universities regarding AI Policies and Guidelines. A gap in staff understanding of AI ethical use, ongoing AI ethics training, clear policies, and AI expertise was revealed. In attempting to achieve the study's research aim, the study found that the universities do have guidelines for AI usage, but these guidelines/policies are primarily targeted at academics. Therefore the study suggests that libraries advocate for a comprehensive framework to guide the integration of AI addressing libraries uniqueness due to their vast library collections, including challenges such as staff resistance to AI adoption, concerns about job displacement, the potential for unethical AI use, algorithmic biases and data privacy could be mitigated.

Keywords

AI, AI Framework, AI Literacy, Policies, Guidelines, Academic Libraries, Case Study, Rhodes University Library

Cite this paper

A. Mabona, D. van Greunen and K. Kativu (2026) "Academic Library's Perspective for AI Integration: Case Study of Rhodes University Library", IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings, Miriam Cunningham and Paul Cunningham (Eds), IST-Africa Institute and IIMC, 2026, ISSN: 2576-8581, ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2, https://doi.org/10.67725/IST-Africa.2026.KXEN6578

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