Abstract:

This paper examines the key determinants of artificial intelligence acceptance in school libraries, with particular emphasis on organizational, professional, and ethical dimensions. Special attention is given to the leadership style of school principals and professional associates, the digital and technical readiness of the library, the professional development of school librarians, the organizational culture of the school, ethical and privacy concerns, and the perceived usefulness of artificial intelligence for educational work and library services. The study was designed as a mixed-method research model. In the theoretical phase, online literature on school libraries, AI literacy, information literacy, and technology acceptance in education was analyzed. Based on the literature review, a questionnaire consisting of 42 statements was constructed. In the empirical part of the paper, a statistical model was presented using a sample of 148 school librarians employed in primary and secondary schools in the Republic of Croatia. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, hierarchical regression, and exploratory factor analysis. The results indicate that the strongest positive associations with AI acceptance were found for perceived usefulness of AI in library and teaching activities, institutional support and leadership, professional development and AI literacy of librarians, and an organizational culture open to innovation. Ethical concerns, fear of inaccuracy, and worries about data privacy were negatively associated with the acceptance of AI tools. The final regression model explained 62% of the variance in AI acceptance in school libraries. The findings suggest that successful AI implementation in school libraries depends not only on the availability of technology, but also on the pedagogical meaning of its use, institutional support, the development of librarians’ competencies, and clear ethical guidelines.

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence, school libraries, school librarians, technology acceptance, AI literacy, ethical concerns.