1 November 2024
CILIP, the library and information association has announced that it is partnering with Dr Andrew Cox, senior lecturer at the Information School, University of Sheffield to launch a cross-sector survey of librarians and information professionals on AI usage.
The survey will build on the success of ‘The impact of AI, machine learning, automation and robotics on the information profession’ report and provide new insights into the state of AI in the sector for library and information professionals.
The survey will give this key sector new insights into AI adoption, usage, and impacts to establish how AI is already being used, the impact it is already having, and where there may be skill gaps in the profession. We are inviting all sector professionals to submit their views and experiences from policy, to application, to emerging trends.
‘AI is “the defining technology of our generation” according to a recent joint statement by the UK and US governments. It offers huge opportunities but also many risks and uncertainties. The information profession is uniquely positioned to help society navigate those choices.
Dr Andrew Cox, University of Sheffield said: “Our profession has a vital role to play in ensuring that society gains the benefits of AI for access to knowledge and freedom of expression, while minimising the informational, ethical and environmental risks.”
“Generative AI can be used throughout the teaching, research and writing process from brainstorming to proof reading. It is also being used for image, audio, and video generation.
“The benefits of using AI to help access knowledge are not new to us, but these come hand-in-hand with issues such as: inaccuracy, hallucinations, bias, ethical concerns, and filter bubble effects.”
As AI continues to become embedded into professional and everyday life, it is more important than ever to think strategically about the opportunities and challenges ahead. The survey aims to provide a benchmark for library and information services to assess their own position in terms of AI policy and adoption, and to provide a solid basis for strategic planning as the technology rapidly evolves.
This new AI survey and subsequent report follows on from CILIP and Dr Cox’s 2021 research: ‘The Impact of AI, machine learning, automation and robotics on the information profession’ where he interrogated how newer technologies are either already impacting the daily work of information professionals, or likely to do so in the near future.
The paper called for a joined-up and coherent response from information professionals, enabling us to maximise the benefits of AI for information users while mitigating the emerging risks.
The new survey will build on the dissemination and education work about AI that CILIP has already been undertaking, such as through the AI hub, and training on AI policy for sector leaders.
The results will give sector leaders and professional a clearer picture of how services in all library sectors are starting to use and support the use of AI, with the aim of identifying big-picture trends as well as practical next steps.
Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CILIP CEO said: “This important survey will inform and accelerate the sector’s responses to AI, helping CILIP members lead change with their users and colleagues.
“In addition to informing CILIP’s advocacy and training activities, we will also identify and share knowledge about key use cases for AI. The survey will highlight emerging good practices that can be showcased to strengthen our collective role as a profession.”
The survey closes on 15 December, and the resulting paper will follow in early spring 2025. https://www.cilip.org.uk/ai-survey
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