Exploration of AI uses and concerns in academic libraries, highlighting the need for guidelines and training.
The current uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic libraries across the globe are explored. The uses of AI are then weighed against the concerns about the adoption of AI in academic libraries. Uses of AI in academic libraries include AI-powered chatbots used in reference services, and generative AI (GenAI) like ChatGPT used by librarians during information literacy classes. In addition, some libraries hold AI-themed lectures and forums. Concerns of AI include start-up costs & time and resource commitment, lack of staff training, concerns over job cuts, furthering bias, privacy concerns, copyright concerns, and conflict with the values of librarianship. Finally, recommendations for the field include the need for AI policies and guidelines from academic libraries to guide staff, transparency, and the implementation of AI literacy instruction in information literacy classes.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Dalya Emin (2025) studied this question.