Clarivate has released its Pulse of the Library 2025 report, revealing a steady increase in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption across global libraries, with 67% now exploring or implementing AI tools. The report highlights that libraries investing in formal AI literacy programs and dedicated resources for their staff are progressing more confidently through implementation phases and reporting greater optimism about the technology's potential.
Quick Intel
67% of global libraries are now exploring or implementing AI, up from 63% in 2024.
Libraries with formal AI literacy programs are more likely to be in active implementation.
AI adoption varies regionally, with Asia and Europe leading and the U.S. lagging in both adoption and optimism.
A perception gap exists, with senior librarians more confident in AI terminology than junior staff.
Budget constraints and geopolitical pressures remain significant challenges for many libraries.
The core mission of libraries remains largely unchanged, with a focus on student engagement in academic settings.
The Link Between AI Literacy and Successful Implementation
The report underscores that maturity in AI adoption is closely tied to institutional support. Libraries that integrate AI literacy into formal training, provide dedicated resources, and have managers who encourage development are significantly more likely to move beyond the evaluation stage. These early adopters are leveraging AI to increase operational efficiencies, freeing up time for more strategic and creative tasks. "Libraries that invest in literacy report greater confidence and will be better positioned to leverage AI for a range of uses," said Oren Beit-Arie, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, Academia & Government at Clarivate.
Regional Divergence and Internal Perception Gaps
The pace of AI adoption is not uniform globally. Regions like Asia and Europe have advanced more rapidly, with 37-40% of libraries in initial implementation or beyond, compared to a slower pace in the U.S. The report also identifies an internal perception gap, where senior librarians are more likely to prioritize AI for efficiency and express higher confidence in AI terminology compared to their junior colleagues, suggesting a need for more inclusive training and communication.
The 2025 Pulse of the Library report illustrates that the library sector is on a clear, albeit uneven, path toward AI integration. The findings demonstrate that strategic investment in staff development and literacy is a critical success factor. As libraries navigate budget pressures and evolving missions, those that proactively build AI competency will be best equipped to harness the technology's benefits and continue serving as vital knowledge hubs in the digital age.
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