Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are quickly evolving and becoming further enmeshed in information ecosystems. AI is more than ChatGPT – it is spellcheck, automated grammar suggestions, customer service chatbots, search engines, image generators, and more.
When used skillfully and ethically, AI technologies can be powerful tools to democratize research and provide accessible resources and assistance to patrons. These are technological tools that, “put at the service of human intelligence,” can allow us to “do more, better, and faster, thanks to the support provided by AI.” As LIS professionals, it is our responsibility to stay current with the development of AI technologies and their potential applications and impacts in our schools, workplaces, and communities at large.
In this module’s reading list, I especially appreciated Barnard College’s structured approach to building and promoting AI literacy on its campus. The campus identified a need for AI literacy and formed several working groups and task forces to determine baseline knowledge, potential impacts, and growth opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. The campus developed a four-part framework to scaffold AI literacy efforts on campus:
- Understand AI
- Use and Apply AI
- Analyze and Evaluate AI
- Create AI
Each level of this framework includes Core Competencies, Key Concepts, and Reflection Questions. Overall, this framework can guide librarians and educators in creating programs, services, and resources that promote AI literacy in ways that meet their audience’s needs and literacy levels. Examples could include:
- Educational programming like literacy workshops that introduce definitions and applications of AI technologies. These workshops could help dispel misunderstandings about AI (no, AI is not a conscious being!) and empower patrons to explore tools independently.
- Hands-on experiences in workshops around using tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity.
- Resources like handouts, recordings, and LibGuides for patrons who want to explore independently or are more comfortable with asynchronous learning experiences.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily tasks and research, LIS professionals must stay informed about its developments and applications. By promoting AI literacy and providing the necessary resources, LIS professionals can help meet needs and fill literacy gaps for the communities we serve.
Sources linked above:
@emtaggart I am feeling more positive about AI because of the podcast audio tool I shared on our course blog and because of a meeting I chaired last week. Faculty and staff shared how they use AI in their work and it was eye opening: proofreading, suggesting possible outlines, synthesizing reports. I am intrigued to see where this goes!