The research examined availability and utilization of AI-powered chatbots for enhanced user services in academic libraries in Anambra state. This study adopts the survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 129 librarians in university libraries in Anambra state. The researcher used a sample of 50 librarians The observation checklist and questionnaire were the research instruments used for data collection. The Crombach Alpha a reliability method was used to test the internal consistency of the instrument. A reliability coefficient of 0.77 was gotten. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean scores and standard deviation. The study found that none of the AI-powered chatbot features such as rule-based chatbots, FAQ chatbotsetc listed are currently available in the university libraries surveyed. However, the respondents believed that AI-powered chatbots if utilized can be very effective in improving user services in university libraries. The challenges of high cost of implementation, and limited technical expertise etc, affects university libraries in adopting AI-powered chatbots. The study recommended that Government should provided adequate funding to procure the tools and systems that will enable the availability of AI-powered chatbots in the university libraries.

Keywords: AI-powered chatbots, Academic libraries, User services, Availability, Utilization

Library automation, Artificial intelligence in libraries