Session 84: Developing a Library Strategic Response to Artificial Intelligence

Generative AI took the world by storm during 2023. In November, the Artificial Intelligence SIG of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) published an extensive working document that sets out considerations relevant for developing a library strategic response to Artificial Intelligence. (Please review in advance!)
Andrew will join us to present the document and engage in discussion on potential impacts and implications of Libraries and AI to support strategic responses.
The document addresses:
Defining AI: “Definitions of AI typically revolve around the idea of computers performing tasks which are ordinarily undertaken using human intelligence. The UNESCO definition emphasises that this is imitation of human understanding.”
Impact of AI on libraries: AI has the potential to have “wide and deep” impacts on library work.
Strategic context and a library SWOT: In a context of change and uncertainty thinking and acting strategically is seen of increasing importance. Many institutions are placing greater emphasis on strategy, on envisioning a desired future state, and planning to realise this vision.
For libraries a key issue is to position themselves strongly in relation to wider institutional, sectoral and national priorities. This can be a form of passive alignment, seeking to demonstrate the library’s contribution to the organisational mission, or even proactive in seeking to take a leadership role in certain areas.
Strategic responses to AI: Pros and cons
The strategic responses to AI could include one or a combination of the following broad approaches:
• Recruiting new staff with specialist AI skills
• Upskilling existing staff
• Engaging with users to see how they are using AI
• Studying sector best practice
• Running proof of concept projects
• Talking to the system suppliers and buying systems
• Aligning to what is happening in the institution
• Collaborating with other units
Three important strategies:
• Using library AI capabilities to model responsible and explainable applications of descriptive AI
• Using librarians’ data competencies to enhance organisational AI capability
• Promoting AI literacy to enhance organisational and societal AI capabilities
"How exactly will libraries participate in the AI revolution?" -Richard Whitt