The Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence in Data Science: Enhancing Social Science Information Services.

This literature review examines the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing data science practices within social science information services, focusing on developments from 2019 to 2024. The growing integration of AI has transformed how data is collected, managed, and analysed, enabling exceptional effectiveness and understandings in social science research and data curation. This paper synthesizes recent scholarly contributions to understand how AI-driven tools, such as natural language processing, machine learning, and automated decision systems, are reshaping information services. It explores critical themes, including the ethical challenges of bias in AI algorithms, the impact on data accessibility, and the enhancement of metadata creation and discovery processes. The review highlights case studies demonstrating the deployment of AI to streamline data workflows, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and improve the dissemination of complex datasets to diverse user communities. Furthermore, it addresses the implications of these advancements for data stewardship and the role of social science librarians as facilitators of AI-augmented services. Challenges, including privacy concerns and the need for transparency in AI applications, are also discussed to offer a balanced perspective. This paper concludes with a forward-looking analysis of emerging trends, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing professional development and cross-sector partnerships to harness AI’s full potential while mitigating risks. By consolidating these insights, this review aims to guide the evolution of social science information services in the era of AI. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Social Science Information Services, Machine Learning, Metadata, Ethics in AI.