Technology from Sage has published the fourth instalment in its acclaimed Librarian Futures series(opens in a new tab): Librarian Leadership on the AI Frontier. The report explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the academic research journey—and the vital role librarians can play in guiding its responsible use.

Drawing on global surveys of over 1,000 students and 300 librarians, the findings uncover a complex relationship between confidence, capability, and trust in the academic use of AI. While over half of the students reported using AI tools like ChatGPT in their research, just 8% say they've received support from their librarian in doing so. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity: students overwhelmingly trust their librarians, with more than half saying they'd feel more confident using AI tools if recommended by them.

"We have been running our Librarian Futures series for nearly five years, and I'm proud of the insight gained into librarian and patron workflows," said Matt Hayes, Managing Director of Technology from Sage. "Our first report highlighted how tools like Google Scholar were disintermediating the library. Now we are seeing something much more disruptive: patrons bypassing the library (and their collections) entirely with tools like ChatGPT.

"This shift risks learning outcomes, research integrity, and library relevance, but it's also a clear opportunity for the library," he said. "The very skills needed to use AI effectively, such as information literacy and critical thinking, are those that librarians excel at, and patron trust in librarians remains high. The call to action is clear: librarians must actively and unapologetically embed themselves in these emerging AI workflows. It's the most powerful way for the library not just to remain essential, but to lead."

Key insights from the report:

• Over half of students reported using AI tools like ChatGPT in their research, but just 8% said their librarians supported them in their use of AI.
• Librarians are more varied in their AI use than students, experimenting with tools like Copilot for Microsoft 365, Elicit, and others.
• Students mostly use AI to simplify research tasks—summarising articles, breaking down complex ideas, and proofreading.
• Students cite uncertainty around academic integrity as a reason for hesitating to use AI in deeper ways.
• Nearly one-third of students feel their librarians wouldn't be able to help with feelings of academic overwhelm—highlighting a missed opportunity for proactive support.
• 27% of students wouldn't look to anyone at their institution for AI guidance—more than those who would turn to a librarian (17%).

The report includes commentary from academic librarians, AI experts, and library technology providers, as well as a foreword by AI education advocate Dr. Leo S Lo, dean and professor at the College of University Libraries and Learning Science at the University of New Mexico.

In his foreword, Dr. Leo S Lo writes "This report serves as an important catalyst, urging libraries to seize their opportunity to redefine their roles, embrace AI expertise, empower students, and strengthen the library's vital place in the academic community—today and into the future."

Librarian Futures Part IV is available to download

The continued Librarian Futures report series demonstrates Technology from Sage's ongoing commitment to champion the academic library for the long-term, with Sage's backing to do so. Technology from Sage is also hosting an online summit discussing the findings with global librarian speakers on Wednesday, 21 May. Register for the summit here(opens in a new tab).

About Technology from Sage

Technology from Sage is a division of Sage that provides a suite of library technologies that redefine and amplify the power of the academic library to advance teaching, learning, and research. Find out more at: technologyfromsage.com(opens in a new tab).

About Sage

Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, 24-year-old Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely. 

Our guaranteed independence means we're free to:

• Do more – supporting an equitable academic future, furthering disciplines that drive social change, and helping social and behavioural science make an impact
• Work together – building lasting relationships, championing diverse perspectives, and co-creating resources to transform teaching and learning
• Think long-term – experimenting, taking risks, and investing in new ideas.