Smarter Libraries through AI Technologies

As an disrupt but transformative technology, Artificial intelligence (AI) has garnered increasing interests and hyped expectations, as well as heightened concerns and confusion in the library and information profession. In a 2019 OCLC survey of 1,300 librarians in 68 countries, respondents believe that AI, together with open access and smart technologies, will be “the next big things.”[1] In the 2021 EDUCAUSE Horizon report, AI is one of the six key technologies for their transformative role in moving teaching and learning forward.[2] Still nascent, libraries and library vendors just start to explore the potentials of AI-related technologies and applications. According to ALA[3], AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, advanced analytics, and data visualization, can bring values in enhancing access, delivering insightful collection analysis, and improving user experience. On the other hand, tackling and mediating AI-inherited issues, including biases, sexism, discrimination, inequities, and data privacy, is critical as we increasingly rely on AI in the decision-making process.

This proposed project aims to survey current AI technology adoption and use cases by libraries and library vendors. Specifically, the project seeks to address the following research questions:

• What has the AI-related technologies and applications been integrated in the business process at libraries or information organizations? How about their awareness by library professionals?

• To what extent that AI-related technologies are incorporated in the product and service developed by major library technology vendors? What is their vision on AI?

• What are the opportunities, strategic value, as well as barriers and challenges of AI technologies in teaching, learning, and library services?

• In the area of equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), how can AI be an objective and creditable tool to address issues of equity and inclusion in our organization?

• How to build a trustworthy and transparent AI solution, contributing to a significant and positive impact on learning outcomes?

• How can USC Libraries take advantage of AI technologies and best advance its mission and strategic goals?

[1] Silipigni Connaway, L., Cyr, C., & Gallagher, P. (2020). Global perspectives on discovery and fulfillment: Findings from the 2020 OCLC Global Council survey. OCLC.

[2] Pelletier, K., Brown, M., Brooks, D. C., McCormack, M., Reeves, J., & Arbino, N. (2021). EDUCAUSE Horizon report, teaching and learning edition. EDUCAUSE. https://library.educause.edu/-/media/files/library/2021/4/2021hrteachinglearning.pdf?la=en&hash=C9DEC12398593F297CC634409DFF4B8C5A60B36E

[3] ALA (n.d.). Artificial intelligence. ALA. Library of the Future. http://www.ala.org/tools/future/trends/artificialintelligence