The Intelligent Transformation of Academic Libraries: 
From Resource Repositories to Smart Service Hubs

Shihao Lyu; Weihao Zhou

doi:10.70711/wef.v4i2.9619

The Intelligent Transformation of Academic Libraries: From Resource Repositories to Smart Service Hubs

Shihao Lyu, Weihao Zhou

Abstract

Academic libraries face an existential shift from physical repositories to smart, user‑centric service hubs. Synthesising evidence
from 239 medical students (survey), institutional case studies (Nanchang, Xi'an Jiaotong, Wuhan, BIT), and bibliometric analyses (171 CNKI
+ 258 WoS papers), this review reveals a three‑level AI literacy structure among students – ethical awareness (4.05/5) > basic skills (3.98)
> innovative application (3.92) – and a polarised demand for smart services: high for basic AI tools (66.95% want chatbots) but low for advanced services (e.g., knowledge graphs, 26.36%). Key bottlenecks include fragmented technology, an ageing librarian workforce (40+ years
= 77.2%), and a severe supply–demand mismatch (overall satisfaction 3.51/5). We propose a "literacy–service fit" optimisation model (L1:
tool‑based; L2: data‑analytical; L3: innovation‑driven) and reposition libraries as four‑dimensional smart education enablers: resource hub,
spatial carrier, literacy base, and ecosystem nexus.

Keywords

Academic libraries; Intelligent transformation; Smart service hubs; AI literacy; Literacy–service fit; Smart education ecosystem; Knowledge graph; User-centric services; Librarian development

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References

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/wef.v4i2.9619

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