Javne knjižnice i umjetna inteligencija

The article examines the role of public libraries in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), with particular attention to the Croatian and Italian contexts. The aim is to assess the opportunities and challenges associated with the integration of AI-based tools into library services and to reflect on their professional and ethical implications. Methodology. A systematic review of the literature (2015–2025) was conducted using major databases (Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, DOAJ) and institutional documents, complemented by national and international case studies. A total of 136 relevant publications were identified, and 88 were include after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria (peer-reviewed articles, professional contributions, grey literature, and institutional texts). Results. The study highlights a significant increase in publications on the subject (Scopus 2015–2025), confirming the growing importance of the debate. Libraries are increasingly adopting AI-based applications for automated cataloguing, reference services (chatbots), recommendation systems, and intelligent surveillance. However, several critical issues emerge, including costs, professional training, cultural resistance, privacy concerns, and algorithmic transparency. Limitations. The research focuses primarily on English-language sources and case studies from European and North American contexts, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to non-European settings. Practical implications. The results can assist libraries, educational institutions, and policymakers in developing guidelines and continuous training pathways for librarians and users. Originality. The study combines a bibliometric analysis with a critical qualitative review and relates international practices to current developments in Croatia and Italy, thus offering an original contribution to discussion on the impact of AI in public libraries.