Artificial Intelligence Adoption and Its Effects on Research Support and Knowledge Management in Nigerian University Libraries: Evidence from the Mubi Zone

Purpose:This study investigates the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools on research support and knowledge management in university libraries within the Mubi Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Design/Methodology/Approach: A descriptive survey design was used. Data were collected from 120 library personnel across Adamawa State University, Federal Polytechnic Mubi, and Federal University of Agriculture Mubi using questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including ANOVA and correlation tests, were applied. Findings: Results revealed moderate AI adoption, mainly in plagiarism detection, intelligent retrieval, and chatbots. AI tools significantly improved research support efficiency and knowledge management quality, though infrastructural and skill-related gaps remain. Practical Implications: Findings highlight the need for institutional investment in AI infrastructure and librarian capacity building to enhance research and knowledge management services. Originality/Value: Provides empirical evidence on AI-driven transformation of Nigerian university libraries—a relatively underexplored context in Africa.