UIN Jakarta Library Building, News Online - Collaboration between universities is the driving force of educational innovation in the digital era. This is reflected in the academic research conducted by Fachri, a student of Library Science and Information Science of Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), which highlights the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the digital services of the State Islamic University (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta Library.

In an effort to complete a course assignment on the application of artificial intelligence in the library environment, Fachri contacted UIN Jakarta Library through the ‘Go Library’ online service channel at 0823.2122.1957, last week (July 03, 2025). This service is known to be one of the leading innovations developed by UIN Jakarta Library to answer the information needs of the campus community quickly and flexibly.

Fachri conveyed his aims and objectives to explore the extent to which the application of AI technology has been implemented to optimize information services at UIN Jakarta Library.

In response, Maryulisman, S.IP., who is a Librarian, as well as the Information Services Coordinator of UIN Jakarta Library, said that the library actively encourages the transformation of digital services based on the latest technology.

Through the ‘Go Library’, channel, Fachri asked some insightful questions:
Question:
What is the background of this AI implementation? Why did UIN Jakarta Library choose to use AI and how long has it been in use?

Answer:
The implementation of AI in UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta Library is motivated by the need to improve the quality of information services that are faster, responsive, and accessible at any time, especially in today's digital era when users are accustomed to technology-based services. Students and lecturers need instant access to information, without having to always interact directly with librarians during regular service hours.
In addition, the increasing volume of repetitive queries from users-such as about borrowing procedures, how to access e-journals, or collection information-is driving libraries to seek automation solutions so that librarians can focus more on analytical and consultative services.
The main reason UIN Jakarta Library chose to start using AI technology was to adopt the digital transformation that is happening in higher education and libraries globally. AI is seen as a means to develop basic reference services that save time and resources, while educating users in the independent use of library facilities.
The use of AI began in late 2024, with the initial phase being a pilot test of an artificial intelligence-based chatbot integrated into the library's website. The trial period lasted for several months and was used to observe how the AI could respond to user queries as well as the level of acceptance from students and the academic community.

Question:
What are the results of this AI implementation in UIN Jakarta Library services? Does it help the Lusters and Librarians?

Answer:
In general, the implementation of AI in the form of a chatbot at UIN Jakarta Library has given quite positive results, although it is still in the trial stage. The system is proven to help answer basic questions from users, such as information on service hours, borrowing procedures, access to the online catalog, and guidelines for using institutional repositories. Thus, AI is able to ease the burden of librarians in handling repetitive questions (FAQ) that are usually time-consuming.
From the user's perspective, AI provides benefits such as 24/7 access to information and ease of interaction through a familiar digital interface. Many students find it useful because they do not have to come directly to the service desk or wait for the librarian's working hours.
On the librarian side, AI helps in time efficiency and allows them to focus more on tasks that require in-depth handling, such as advanced reference services, literature searches, and collection management. However, there are perceived challenges, such as AI's limitations in understanding the context of complex queries and the need to continuously update databases to keep AI responses relevant.
Overall, despite limitations, the application of AI proved to add value to the service, especially as a complement, not a substitute, for librarian services. This trial provides important lessons for libraries to develop hybrid service systems that combine the roles of technology and human interaction in a balanced way.

Question:
Are there any challenges or obstacles, either in terms of technology, cost or human resources in implementing AI in UIN Jakarta Library?

Answer:
In its implementation, AI services in libraries face some significant challenges in terms of technology, cost, and human resources, among others:

1. Technology Limitations. The AI technology used still has limitations in understanding the local context, especially academic or UIN Jakarta-specific terms.
2. Cost and Infrastructure Constraints. AI development requires a lot of investment. Since this project is still a pilot, the budget allocation from the library or university has not been fully focused towards the sustainable development of AI services.
3. Human Resource Readiness and Competence. Not all librarians have a technology background or understanding of how AI works. Technical training is needed so that librarians are able to develop appropriate content for the chatbot, monitor the system, and make adjustments based on user feedback.
4. Content Maintenance and Updates. For the AI to remain relevant, its content must be kept up-to-date following changes in service policies or library data.

Last Question:
How do you feel about the application of AI for libraries in the digital era?

Answer:
In general, librarians at UIN Jakarta Library welcome the application of AI technology as part of the transformation of library services in the digital era. Librarians see AI not as a threat, but as a strategic tool that can improve the efficiency and quality of services to users.
Librarians see the potential of AI in handling repetitive and administrative services, such as answering general questions, providing basic guidance, or navigating users to specific information sources. This way, librarians can focus more on skill-based services, such as information literacy, academic search assistance, and digital collection development.
However, librarians also realize that the implementation of AI must be accompanied by human resource readiness and strong system support. Continuous training is needed so that librarians are able to adapt, and periodic evaluations are needed so that the AI used remains relevant and ethical in an academic context.
Overall, librarians see AI as part of the evolution of the library's role, and hope that this technology can continue to be developed to meet the needs of today's users without losing the personalized service values that have been the strength of librarians.
The use of AI began in late 2024, with the initial phase being a pilot test of an artificial intelligence-based chatbot integrated into the library's website. The trial period lasted for several months and was used to observe how the AI could respond to user queries as well as the level of acceptance from students and the academic community.

At the end of the question and answer session, Maryulisman also added that UIN Jakarta Library has developed ‘Go Library’ as an interactive communication platform that bridges digital-based information services with flexible, and personalized.

The research conducted by Fachri is a synergistic effort between universities in encouraging digital information literacy and technology-based public service innovation. *RMr

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