Abstract

This study examines the relationship between leadership styles of academic librarians and their acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. The research involved 50 librarians from four Arab countries, using two distinct questionnaires: one on AI perceptions and the other utilizing the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Data was analyzed using correlational and inferential statistics, including structural equation modeling and regression analysis. Findings indicate that transformational leadership significantly promotes AI implementation in academic libraries, enhancing both perceived usefulness and ease of use. Conversely, transactional leadership is associated with less favorable outcomes, while laissez-faire leadership positively influences perceived ease of use but not perceived usefulness. The study underscores the importance of fostering transformational leadership in librarian training programs to effectively integrate AI technologies, highlighting its role in creating an innovative and supportive organizational culture conducive to technological advancement.