Richard Le literally walks the talk. Since my last reflection, I’ve had a new outlook at work. I look for opportunities to cultivate a learning environment. The adventure I chose from this week’s module, Hyperlinked Environments & Issues is on AI & ChatGPT, specifically human-centered AI.
Machine usefulness (MU) is a concept that I learned while reading Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity. MU refers to how well a machine serves the goals and needs of humans in real world tasks. The authors argue:
AI, and even the emphasis on machine intelligence, reflects a very specific path for the development of digital technologies, one with profound distribution effects—benefiting a few people and leaving the rest behind. Rather than focusing on machine intelligence, it is more fruitful to strive for “machine usefulness,” meaning how machines can be most useful to humans—for example, by complementing worker capabilities [. . .] machine usefulness led to some of the most important and productive applications of digital technologies but has become increasingly sidelined in the quest for machine intelligence and automation (Acemoglu & Johnson, 2023, p. 37).
In the library setting, practical examples of MU include barcodes and barcode scanner, RFID, self-checkout machines, assistive technology (e.g., screen readers, speech-to-text, and magnifiers), online public access catalogs (OPACs), free Wi-Fi, eBooks, audiobooks, and subscription databases, to name a few. These technologies did not exist when I was a kid in the 60’s, so I can appreciate the improvements to our collective experience in time-savings, empowerment, and increased equity of services beyond physical space and time.
In my own practice at the library, I facilitate and lead patrons on the use of these technologies, including assistance with their mobile devices, computers, and our Makerspace equipment. As library staff, we apply our social skills, creativity, and critical thinking, which are unique to the human condition. In the same spirit and thoughtfulness, libraries will continue to navigate in this age of AI.
Do No Harm
In today’s headline: Nvidia hits $4T valuation cap. What does this growing demand for AI hardware and chips since the launch of ChatGPT (in late 2022) mean for the greatest good, specifically to access, equity, intellectual freedom, sustainability, and socio-economic well-being? For sure, there are risks. Dr. Fei-Fei Li, co-founder of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, advocates for a balanced ecosystem and stresses the importance of education and dialogue to mitigate the risks on the use of AI between the tech world, the policy world, within our communities and with our children—every step of the way. This is when our core values are put to the test.
In this video, Dr Li offers an example of regulatory frameworks such as the FDA to implement guardrails and keep consumers safe: In this age of driverless vehicles, she explains, “Instead of shutting down GM or Ford, we created seatbelts and speed limits. So good regulatory framework helps to keep the utility of the technology safe but also continues to encourage innovation”.
Putting It Out to the Universe
I would like to get more understanding on how the next generation is engaging with AI and ChatGPT and shaping the future. We have a Youth Poet-in-Residence program which I have led and coordinated. It is a one-year term, and I have gotten to know some of the local teens through poetry readings and chapbook making. At one of the events, I introduced myself to someone who happened to be the high school English teacher and has taught at El Camino for 26 years! We chatted for a while and I threw out an idea that had been on my mind: what do you think about a library/high school TEDx talks (i.e., SSFPL x El Camino Youth collaboration)? The library as mentor and place, and the kids steer and orchestrate the production. It won’t be easy, but it would prepare our youth to serve. Would they be up for it? I saw sparks in Mr. Padilla’s eyes 🤩✨ so I said I would look more into it. To be continued. 👩🏽💻
Hi!
Thanks so much for the framework of Machine Usefulness, and the ideas that AI needs guardrails just as much as it needs good ideas for all of us. I like the term Machine Usefulness because it brings people back to the center of the debate about culture and where we’re headed as a society, as opposed to the current line of thought that AI is going to take over everything. We need AI for figuring out the things that we struggle with, not to write our books or make our drawings, and if we have a benchmark for any technology (let alone AI), I think a lot more people (including myself!) would feel a lot better about the speed at which this is all moving.
Thanks for your very insightful post!
Mei
Thank you for your reply, @meic! I agree with you when you say, “We need AI for figuring out the things that we struggle with, not to write our books or make our drawings”. With technology being fast & furious, I feel it is crucial to apply my own reasoning skills to connect, learn, create, and express myself.
I observe some digital natives and notice that they are browsing, texting, and gaming, but not interacting and expressing. They are familiar with tech but not necessarily creating. And reading but not necessarily writing (i.e. coding). This is when hyperlinked libraries can make a difference 🙂
@libbylibbylibby that’s so funny that you mention digital natives not really understanding technology–in my Online Searching course Professor Steiner asserts that digital natives don’t actually know a lot about digital life except for google and social media–and being here and learning there about searching makes me really agree! I think the mistake the digital natives make (and pundits make about digital natives) is that they have skipped the learning process and are like Neo with the brain software–I know Kung Fu! (Did I totally date myself? Probably!) rather than having actually engaged with what the possibilities of digital culture are. And you’re right, this is where the hyperlinked library really comes in to play!