Clarivate Study Examines Impact of Academic AI on Library Workflows

Research reveals efficiency gains, increased capacity, and workflow shifts in academic libraries.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 8:04am

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Clarivate Plc, a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, has announced the launch of a new Academic AI Impact study. The study examines how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping core workflows in academic libraries and delivering tangible operational benefits. Key findings include a 30-60% reduction in time spent on repetitive, manual tasks, a 2-4 times increase in workflow capacity without additional staffing, and 50-60% of reading lists being immediately available for students after AI processing.

Why it matters

The study provides evidence-based insights into how AI is supporting academic libraries and improving library impact by complementing, rather than replacing, roles. It outlines considerations for library leaders on the next phase of AI adoption, keeping human judgment at the center. The examples highlight the potential of Academic AI, from libraries working through cataloguing backlogs to surfacing hidden collections, to recovering course readiness during peak academic periods and redesigning workflows to support readiness at scale.

The details

The study, conducted by Emerging Strategy on behalf of Clarivate, is based on in-depth qualitative interviews with 11 library professionals from eight academic institutions across North and Latin America, and the Middle East. The participants use AI solutions in their daily workflows, including Leganto Syllabus Assistant and Alma AI Metadata Assistant. The findings represent directional evidence from institutional experiences, with self-reported time comparisons, volume metrics, and workflow contrast analysis.

  • The study was launched on March 24, 2026.

The players

Clarivate Plc

A leading global provider of transformative intelligence, offering enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions, and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property, and Life Sciences & Healthcare.

Oren Beit-Arie

Senior Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, Academia & Government at Clarivate.

Melissa Gomis

Associate Professor of Practice, Chair, Collections Strategy & Open Scholarship, University Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Emerging Strategy

The research firm that conducted the study on behalf of Clarivate.

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What they’re saying

“Our paper provides evidence-based insights into how AI is supporting academic libraries and improving library impact by complementing, rather than replacing, roles. It outlines considerations for library leaders on the next phase of AI adoption, keeping human judgment at the center. The examples in this study highlight the potential of Academic AI, from libraries working through cataloguing backlogs to surfacing hidden collections, to recovering course readiness during peak academic periods and redesigning workflows to support readiness at scale.”

— Oren Beit-Arie, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, Academia & Government at Clarivate

“I see AI as a tool that invites libraries to be intentional about how we spend our time and where we add the most value. If it can accurately and efficiently take on some of the repetitive or data-intensive work, it allows us to focus more fully on the relational, instructional, and strategic aspects of our roles. When used thoughtfully, AI isn't just about efficiency, it's about creating the space and resources to deepen our impact and better serve our communities.”

— Melissa Gomis, Associate Professor of Practice, Chair, Collections Strategy & Open Scholarship, University Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The takeaway

This study highlights how AI can enhance academic library workflows, enabling staff to focus on higher-value activities and deepen their impact on the communities they serve. By complementing human expertise, AI can drive efficiency, increase capacity, and support the evolving role of libraries in the digital age.