Clarivate Report: AI Literacy Drives Implementation and Confidence in Libraries

Drawing on insights from over 2,000 librarians representing academic, national and public libraries globally, the report offers an up-to-date view of how they are adapting to rapid change.

LONDON – Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, today unveiled its “Pulse of the Library 2025” report, offering a comprehensive analysis of how libraries worldwide are responding to the dynamic landscape shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), open science initiatives, and evolving geopolitical realities.

The report highlights a significant uptick in AI adoption within libraries. A key finding reveals that 67% of libraries are actively exploring or implementing AI tools, marking a notable increase from 63% in 2024. While many libraries remain in the evaluation phase, early adopters are demonstrating increased optimism, particularly as they navigate the implementation process. This suggests a learning curve where initial hesitation gives way to confidence as libraries witness the practical benefits of AI integration.

The data further indicates a strong correlation between AI literacy programs and successful AI implementation. Libraries that incorporate AI literacy into formal training or onboarding programs (28%), dedicate specific time and resources (23.3%), or have managers who actively champion AI development (24.2%) are significantly more likely to be in the moderate or active phases of AI implementation. This underscores the crucial role of education and dedicated resources in fostering a conducive environment for AI adoption within library systems.

Oren Beit-Arie, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, Academia & Government at Clarivate, commented on the report’s findings: “Our second ‘Pulse of the Library’ report demonstrates a growing sophistication in how libraries are approaching AI. The increase in early adopters since last year is encouraging, and it highlights the critical need for AI literacy and professional development. Libraries that invest in these areas will be better equipped to harness AI’s potential, driving efficiencies and freeing up librarians to focus on strategic and creative initiatives.”

Key findings from the report include:

• Regional Disparities in AI Adoption: Asia and Europe are leading the charge in AI integration, with 37-40% of libraries in initial implementation or beyond, a substantial increase from 14-16% in 2024. The U.S., however, lags behind in both adoption and confidence, exhibiting the lowest level of optimism regarding AI’s potential benefits (7% optimistic, compared to 27-31% in Asia and other regions). This discrepancy suggests potential differences in access to resources, training, or strategic priorities across different regions. The U.S. may also be facing more stringent regulatory or budgetary hurdles compared to Asia and Europe.
• Perception Gaps Across Roles: Senior librarians are more inclined to prioritize efficiency gains as a primary objective for AI implementation, compared to their junior counterparts. Furthermore, senior librarians demonstrate greater confidence in AI terminology, with 43% rating their confidence as 4 or 5 (on a scale of 1 to 5), compared to 36% for junior librarians. This highlights a potential need for more comprehensive AI training programs targeted at all levels of library staff to bridge the knowledge gap and ensure consistent understanding and implementation of AI initiatives.
• Core Library Missions Remain Consistent: The core missions of libraries have remained largely unchanged since 2024, with the exception of academic libraries, where student engagement has emerged as the primary focus in 2025 (40%). This underscores the evolving role of academic libraries in supporting student success and adapting their services to meet the changing needs of the student population.
• Budget Constraints as a Major Challenge: Budgetary limitations continue to pose a significant challenge for libraries. Geopolitical pressures are exacerbating these constraints, impacting budgets and collection development. A concerning statistic reveals that half of U.S. and North American respondents anticipate cuts to their collections as a direct result of these pressures. This underscores the urgent need for innovative funding models and resource management strategies to ensure libraries can continue to provide essential services in the face of financial challenges. This could also lead to increased collaboration and resource sharing between libraries to mitigate the impact of budget cuts.

John Chrastka, Executive Director at EveryLibrary, emphasized the crucial role of librarians: “Librarians are instrumental in knowledge dissemination and community building. This report serves as a valuable resource for library and information professionals worldwide, aiding them in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

The “Pulse of the Library 2025” report is based on a survey of over 2,000 librarians across 109 countries and regions, encompassing academic, public, and national libraries. Building upon the foundation laid by the inaugural 2024 report, this year’s analysis provides actionable insights and practical recommendations for libraries seeking to maximize the benefits of AI and adapt to the evolving information landscape.

The comprehensive survey methodology involved a range of outreach strategies, including partnerships with industry publications and accessibility in multiple languages. Statistical analysis was conducted in collaboration with an external agency to ensure rigor and objectivity in the findings. This robust methodology strengthens the credibility and reliability of the report’s conclusions.

Clarivate’s “Pulse of the Library 2025” report offers a valuable snapshot of the opportunities and hurdles facing libraries in the digital age. The report serves as a call to action for libraries, policymakers, and technology providers to collaborate on strategies to improve AI literacy, allocate resources effectively, and embrace new technologies to enhance access to knowledge and strengthen communities.