Artificial Intelligence (AI) has reshaped information retrieval in libraries by enabling faster, more accurate, and context-aware access to resources. Traditional systems relied heavily on Boolean logic, keyword matching, and subject indexing, often demanding strong search skills. In contrast, AI-driven tools use Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and semantic search to interpret user intent and retrieve results that match the user’s context. For instance, instead of listing thousands of items for a term like "digital preservation," AI systems can identify whether the user needs theoretical insights, technological solutions, or case studies and prioritise accordingly. Chatbots and Virtual Reference Services (VRS) represent another major advancement. Earlier reference services were limited by staff availability and slower response times. AI-enabled chatbots now provide 24/7 scalable support, assisting users with catalogue navigation, database searching, and citation queries. Enhanced VRS also include voice-enabled interaction, multilingual help, and links to institutional repositories and e-learning platforms, expanding access for remote and diverse users. However, AI adoption introduces challenges. Ethical concerns include data privacy, dependence on automated systems, and algorithmic bias, which may unintentionally suppress unconventional research areas if tools are trained on mainstream datasets. Additionally, chatbots, despite their efficiency, cannot replicate human empathy, judgement, or critical thinking, making a hybrid approach that blends AI with human expertise the most sustainable model. For LIS professionals, integrating AI demands new competencies. Librarians must develop skills in digital ethics, algorithmic transparency, and data analytics while ensuring that AI tools are critically assessed. Their role increasingly includes evaluating AI systems to ensure they align with educational goals, rather than purely commercial interests. Balancing human expertise with AI capabilities remains central to ensuring equitable and meaningful access.

What approach does the passage consider most sustainable for library services?