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The technological landscape is constantly changing, affecting people of all ages. Kelly (2018) article on children growing up with Amazon’s Alexa can be an alternative for screen time, however it can negatively affect children’s development due to the lack of social interaction. Now with the introduction of generative AI, many industries have been impacted, including the library and information science field. However, just because the technology and the opinions around it change, it does not change the library’s job on providing literacy. 

Generative AI in the Library

Generative AI can help with things like “automation of everyday tasks”, “new ways to engage with information”, “lower cost internet connectivity”, and “new forms of creativity” (IFLA, 2024). However, AI also comes with risks, such as misinformation, cyberattacks, deepfakes, and infringing on the rights of creators. The Krupp library at Bryant University isn’t definitively labeling ChatGPT as good or bad, but is using it as an “opportunity to look at it through the lens of information literacy” (Papini, 2023). They see ChatGPT as “just one AI tool” in a sea of disruptive technologies, and are dedicated to educating users on when and how to use the tool. 

Griffey (2019) makes a similar point, that the impact of AI technology relies on the people that use and create them. This emphasizes the library’s role regarding digital literacy. Instead of rushing to adopt new technologies uncritically and unethically to seem trendy, it is essential that library professionals uphold one of its core responsibilities: spreading digital literacy (New Media Consortium, 2017). Libraries are in a position to educate the public on the safe way to use AI: how to evaluate the information, identify misinformation, and understand the pros and cons of AI, giving them the ability and knowledge to decide for themselves whether to move forward with the technology or not. Libraries can bridge the gap between user and technology, and can offer human instruction and context that no digital tool can. 

The Role of Libraries

New horizons in technology will keep evolving, and amidst all the changes, the role of libraries in the technological landscape does not change. For decades, libraries have taught people how to search for and think critically about information and technology, and generative AI is simply another tool that has been added to that responsibility. The library must stay true to its core purpose: providing literacy, access, and human connection, so that no matter what happens, people will have a place they trust to learn more. 

References

Griffey, J. (2019, March 1). AI and machine learning. American Libraries Magazine. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2019/03/01/ai-machine-learning-libraries/

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. (2024). IFLA Trend Report 2024.

Kelly, S. (2018, October 16). Growing up with Alexa: A child’s relationship with Amazon’s voice assistant. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/16/tech/alexa-child-development/index.html

New Media Consortium. (2017). NMC Horizon Report > 2017 Library Edition. 

Papini, A. (2023, January 27). ChatGPT: A library perspective. Krupp Library, Bryant University. https://library.bryant.edu/chatgpt-library-perspective