Effect of AI literacy on work performance among medical librarians in Pakistan

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the healthcare landscape, including the role of medical libraries. Understanding medical head librarians' perceived AI literacy and its potential impact on work performance is crucial for successful AI integration within medical institutions. This research aims to address this gap in knowledge by investigating the perceived AI literacy and its impact on the work performance of medical head librarians in Pakistan. The research adopted a quantitative survey method, utilizing a census method to approach the medical head librarians in Pakistan. Data collection was conducted through an online questionnaire administered to 124 medical head librarians employed in institutions recognized by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The findings indicated that the medical head librarians displayed high levels of perceived AI literacy and work performance. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that AI literacy had a statistically significant and positive impact on work performance, suggesting that as medical head librarians' AI literacy increases, so does their work performance. These results provide valuable insights for governing bodies of medical institutions, AI developers, and other relevant stakeholders. The outcomes suggest that investing in AI-related training for medical librarians, creating user-friendly AI interfaces, and providing additional support from AI developers could play a crucial role in effectively implementing AI for information management in medical education in Pakistan. This study makes a significant contribution to the existing literature by addressing the paucity of research on AI literacy among medical librarians. Further research could deepen the understanding of AI literacy's impact on work performance and explore the mechanisms driving this relationship, offering additional guidance for policymakers and educators in enhancing AI-related skills among medical librarians.