The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing the Accuracy of Information Retrieval in Digital Libraries

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in reshaping information retrieval, accessibility, and knowledge discovery processes in academic libraries. Specifically, it sought to determine the level of AI technology adoption, assess the accuracy and efficiency of information retrieval systems, and analyze the relationship between the use of AI applications and the improvement of retrieval performance. To achieve these objectives, the researcher adopted a descriptive survey methodology supported by an analytical approach. A questionnaire was employed as the primary data collection tool and administered to the study population, which consisted of staff members and users of academic digital libraries in Jeddah Governorate. A simple random sample of 100 participants was selected.

The results indicated that the use of artificial intelligence technologies in academic digital libraries plays a significant and positive role in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of information retrieval. AI applications contributed notably to improving the precision of electronic cataloging, the quality of content and textual data analysis, the efficiency of automated data storage and retrieval, the relevance of search results to users’ needs, and the speed of access to digital resources. Furthermore, the findings revealed that automated storage and retrieval efficiency was the most positively affected dimension, followed by the accuracy of electronic cataloging, reflecting the substantial impact of AI technologies on the informational infrastructure of digital libraries. In light of these findings, the study recommends increasing investment in the development of digital library systems, expanding the integration of artificial intelligence technologies, and designing more advanced tools to enhance search relevance and accelerate access to digital resources, thereby improving the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of information services.