• Chennumalla srilakshmi

The research focuses on the domain of Library and Information Science (LIS) and the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on the field, specifically on the activities performed in a library, the operations, peripheral user interactions, and all of the attendant functions, which form part of the knowledge domain, on a distinct role of the librarian. AI subsystems, including machine learning, natural language processing, and expert systems, are considered. The study attempts to address the opportunities provided by the artificial intelligence (AI) in the recent theoretical and empirical literature such as automation of cataloguing and other routine tasks, AI-driven personalized information services, AI-driven decision making, and professional empowerment through data. At the same time, it attempts to identify the equally important challenges such as inadequate context, professional ethic, data and digital literacy, privacy and surveillance issues, and the systemic absence of AI qualified library and information professionals. The study attempts to address the integration of AI from the perspective of Technological Determinism, Socio-Technical Systems, and Innovation Diffusion Theories to make sense of the integration as a process of socio-technical transformation The results of the research highlight the fundamental issues of the need to integrate the automation of the work processes with the manual mediation of the systems, ethical governance, and interdisciplinary engagement needed to foster responsible artificial intelligence (RAI). The thesis finally states that the balance between innovation and ‘the human touch’ is the key to the future of library science in a world which is ever changing, giving rise to new challenges and opportunities for research and practice, and open access, democratic information systems which are developed for the benefit of the entire society.

Artificial Intelligence, Library and Information Science (LIS), Digital Transformation, Ethical AI Practices, Librarian Professional Development

"Reimagining Library Science through Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no.e77-e91, November-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511411.pdf

"Reimagining Library Science through Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no. ppe77-e91, November-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511411.pdf