DIGITAL AND AI LITERACY IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE: BUILDING COMPETENCE FOR THE FUTURE

The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies is transforming the landscape of Library and Information Science (LIS). Modern libraries are shifting from traditional services toward technology-enabled, data-driven environments. This paper examines the importance of digital and AI literacy for LIS professionals, emerging AI applications in libraries, challenges to adoption, and strategies for building future-ready competencies. The study aims to provide a framework for academic and research libraries to integrate AI tools responsibly and effectively.