Leveraging on AI for Preservation of Cultural Heritage in University Libraries in South-East, Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges
Conference: ISA 22nd Annual International Conference (2025)
Presenter(s): Stella N. I. Anasi, Chukwuemeka Chukwueke
Tags: 2025 Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Chukwuemeka Chukwueke Jalingo Nigeria Stella Anasi Taraba State University
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are transforming the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage. The capabilities of AI technologies for digital replication and predictive maintenance have brought about a dramatic shift from conventional preservation practices. The South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria is dominated by Igbo ethnic group which comprise of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. This zone is endowed with outstanding and significant tangible and intangible cultural heritage. One of the mission and mandate of libraries as cultural heritage institutions, among others, are to collect, preserve, manage and disseminate tangible and intangible cultural resources to the potential users. Libraries and librarians can adopt AI technologies to enhance the preservation of cultural heritage. Despite the growing adoption of AI technologies in the preservation of cultural heritage, it is unfortunate that most university libraries in South-East still rely on conventional preservation practices. This paper therefore investigates academic librarians’ perception of the capabilities of AI technologies in the preservation of cultural heritage. It will identify the barriers to the adoption of AI technologies in the preservation of cultural heritage. A survey method will be adopted for the study. Academic librarians in federal university libraries in South-East will constitute the target population. Questionnaire will be the research instrument. Data collected will be analyzed using descriptive statistics. The outcome of the survey hopefully would serve as input to policy that will emphasize the adoption of AI technologies for the preservation of cultural heritage.
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