Artificial intelligence chatbots in academic libraries: the rise of ChatGPT

Purpose The study aims to investigate the potential of artificial intelligence chatbots in academic libraries along with the dangers associated with the technology. Design/methodology/approach Literature were sourced from Google scholar and Scopus database-indexed journals to assess the potentials and drawbacks of using ChatGPT (generative pretrained transformer). Findings The study found that ChatGPT can aid with technical and reader services such as answering basic reference inquiries, navigating the library website and assisting with research, cataloguing, classification and collection development. However, due to the risk of inaccurate query responses, misuse, limited comprehension, input limitation and technological reliance, it should be a complementary technology rather than a replacement for human librarians. Originality/value To the best of the author’ knowledge, this is one of the first articles reviewing the potential of ChatGPT in academic libraries.