Exploring the Mediating Role of Trust in the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Communication Dynamics Among Librarians

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Seifallah Andayesh 1
Zahra Kianrad 2
1 Assistant Professor, Knowledge and Information Science, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
2 PhD , knowledge and information science, University of Tehran. Tehran. Iran
10.48305/him.2026.46195.1393
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of trust in the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and communication dynamics among medical librarians.
Methods: This applied, descriptive-correlational study was conducted among librarians working in the libraries of medical universities in Tehran. Using Cochran's formula and standard statistical parameters, a sample of 137 participants was selected. Data were collected using validated and standardized questionnaires. The measurement model was evaluated through convergent and discriminant validity, and the data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS software.
Results: The findings indicated that artificial intelligence had a positive and significant effect on communication dynamics (path coefficient = 0.616). Artificial intelligence also had a positive effect on trust (path coefficient = 0.798), while trust positively and significantly influenced communication dynamics (path coefficient = 0.512).
Conclusion: The findings revealed that artificial intelligence influences communication dynamics not only directly but also indirectly through enhancing trust. Since the direct effect of artificial intelligence on communication dynamics remained significant after introducing trust into the model, trust was found to partially mediate this relationship. These findings highlight the importance of considering both technological and human factors when implementing artificial intelligence in medical libraries and suggest that realizing the communicative benefits of AI depends on fostering trust among medical librarians.
Keywords
Artificial intelligence
Trust
Communication dynamics
Medical librarians
Subjects
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