Research on AI Virtual Librarian Service Framework and Implementation Path in University Libraries

Abstract

Abstract:

The evolution of artificial intelligence AI from traditional machine learning ML-AI togenerative AI GenAI is reshaping the service models of university libraries. AI-powered virtual librarian based on large language models have become an important break through for the development of smart libraries. This study investigates the online reference services of libraries at China’s Double First-Classuniversities and at the top 100 global universities ranked by U. S. News. It reveals breakthroughs in theservice coverage and functional innovation of AI virtual librarians in Chinese universities as well aspractical experiences related to service accuracy and human-AI collaboration models in internationaluniversity libraries. Based on the application exploration of East China Normal University Library thispaper proposes an innovative future-oriented design framework for AI virtual librarian services. Byconstructing a three-layer knowledge base comprising question-answering document and applicationdatabases and integrating semantic vectorization operational orchestration prompt engineering and theChatECNU large language model technology it creates an intelligent personalized and 24 / 7 accurate AIvirtual librarian. Practical results show that the AI virtual librarian not only significantly optimizes serviceefficiency and user experience but also frees librarian from repetitive tasks enabling them to focus onhigher-value activities and fostering innovation in university library services. In the future AI virtuallibrarians will further promote the intelligent transformation of library services in areas such as multimodalinteraction intelligent academic support and data privacy protection.

Key words: AI virtual librarian, GenAI, Prompt engineering, Knowledge base, ChatECNU

Zhang Yi. Research on AI Virtual Librarian Service Framework and Implementation Path in University Libraries[J]. Libraly Journal, 2025, 45(417): 49-60.

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[1]	Xue Fei1, Wang Jingjing2 , Ye Ying3, 4 (1 Zhejiang University Library, 2 School of Journalismand Communication, Shandong University, 3 National Experimental Base for Intelligent Evaluation and Governanceof Fudan University, 4 Jiangsu International Joint Informatics Laboratory of Nanjing University). On the Trends of GenAI Driven by DeepSeek with Application Prospects in Libraries [J]. Libraly Journal, 2025, 44(409): 43-50.
[2]	Luo Chong, Yang Enyi (National Library of China). Research on the Integrated Name Authority Control of the National Library of China in the Digital Era [J]. Libraly Journal, 2025, 44(409): 33-42.
[3]	Xue Fei, Ye Ying ( Zhejiang University Library, National Institute of Intelligent Evaluation andGovernance, Fudan University, International Joint Informatics Laboratory, Nanjing University). An Essay on the Innovation of Librarianship under the Waveof Generative AI [J]. Libraly Journal, 2024, 43(403): 79-83.
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[5]	Sun Ning, Chen Ya . Research Focuses, Research Frontiers and Knowledge Base of Internet Public Opinions in China [J]. LIBRARY JOURNAL, 2014, 33(9): 25-31.
[6]	Guo Jinlong, Xu Xin, Yao Zhanlei. The Application of Semantic Query Expansion in Knowledge Base of Virtual Reference System: Shanghai Library as an Example [J]. LIBRARY JOURNAL, 2013, 32(4): 75-81.