This study examines the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) research in Library and Information Science (LIS) through a comparative bibliometric analysis of pre- and post-2022 research trends. The study focuses on two distinct periods: the pre-2022 period, covering 2016 to 2021, and the post-2022 period, covering 2022 to 2026. Data were collected from the Scopus database, with the analysis limited to English-language articles and review papers. The study investigates publication output, citation patterns, authorship trends, collaboration index, contributing journals, and keyword-based thematic developments. The findings reveal a substantial increase in AI-related research in LIS after 2022. The pre-2022 period recorded 43 publications, while the post-2022 period recorded 381 publications, indicating a major expansion of scholarly attention in this area. The analysis also shows a rise in total citations and number of authors, along with a moderate increase in collaboration. However, the average citation per paper declined in the post-2022 period, mainly due to the recent publication of many studies. The keyword analysis further indicates a thematic shift from foundational AI applications, such as machine learning, expert systems, and library services, toward emerging concerns related to generative AI, ChatGPT, AI literacy, information literacy, digital transformation, and ethical issues. The study offers insights into the changing direction of AI research in LIS and supports future research on AI-driven library practices and services.