The latest report from Clarivate Plc, titled the Pulse of the Library 2025, reveals significant trends in how libraries worldwide are adapting to the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI). Based on insights from over 2,000 librarians across academic, national, and public libraries, the report outlines the current state of AI adoption, highlighting a notable increase in implementation and confidence among library professionals.
According to the report, 67% of libraries are either exploring or actively implementing AI tools, a rise from 63% in 2024. While many libraries remain in the early stages of evaluation, those that have begun implementation report increased optimism regarding the potential benefits of AI technologies. Notably, the findings indicate that libraries are more likely to achieve moderate or active implementation when AI literacy is incorporated into formal training programs (28%), when librarians are allocated dedicated time and resources (23.3%), or when management actively encourages development (24.2%).
Regional Variations in AI Adoption
The report underscores regional disparities in the pace of AI adoption. In Asia and Europe, approximately 37-40% of libraries are in initial implementation stages or beyond, significantly up from 14-16% in 2024. In contrast, the United States lags behind, with the lowest levels of optimism regarding AI’s benefits, as only 7% of U.S. librarians express confidence compared to 27-31% in regions such as Mainland China and the Rest of the World.
The report also reveals differences in perception based on librarian roles. Senior librarians tend to prioritize efficiency as a key objective for AI implementation, displaying greater confidence with AI terminology. Approximately 43% of senior librarians rated their confidence as a four or five on a scale of one to five, compared to 36% for junior librarians.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the positive trends in AI adoption, the report highlights ongoing challenges faced by libraries, including budget constraints exacerbated by geopolitical pressures. In fact, half of the respondents from the U.S. and North America anticipate cuts to their collections as a direct consequence of these pressures.
John Chrastka, Executive Director at EveryLibrary, emphasized the essential role librarians play in fostering knowledge and connections within their communities. He noted that the insights from this report will assist library professionals globally as they navigate the complexities of integrating AI into their operations.
The 2025 Pulse of the Library report builds upon the findings of the inaugural report released in 2024, offering actionable insights and recommendations for libraries looking to enhance their AI capabilities. The comprehensive survey was conducted online from June to July 2025, in collaboration with Library Journal, ensuring accessibility in multiple languages including English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
For those interested in further details, the full demographics and quantitative data from the 2025 survey are available through Clarivate’s official channels. The report serves as a critical resource for libraries aiming to maximize the advantages of AI and adapt to the evolving landscape of information management.
For more information, visit www.clarivate.com.
