AWARENESS OF CATALOGUERS OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIES AROUND AZARE METROPOLIS ON THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ENHANCING CATALOGUING PROCESS: A CASE STUDY OF SAZU LIBRARY, FUHSA LIBRARY AND ASCOE LIBRARY.

This study investigated the awareness of cataloguers in academic libraries around Azare Metropolis on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the cataloguing process, using Sa’adu Zungur University, Federal University of Health and Science, and Aminu Saleh College of Education as case studies. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory, the study reviewed literature on awareness, cataloguing practices, and the role of AI in information organization, while also identifying benefits, challenges, and factors influencing its adoption. A qualitative research design was employed, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eleven cataloguers across the three institutions. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which revealed that while some cataloguers had basic knowledge of AI, awareness and practical understanding of its applications in cataloguing were generally low. The findings also showed that lack of training, inadequate infrastructure, and resistance to change were major challenges hindering adoption. The study concludes that improving cataloguers’ awareness and competence in AI is essential for effective information organization and retrieval. It recommends capacity-building workshops, investment in ICT infrastructure, and stronger institutional support to promote AI integration into cataloguing processes within academic libraries.