Library News & Updates

Reflections on AI and Librarianship

Innovation. Disruption. Inquiry. Access. 

These are concepts headlining conversations about artificial intelligence (AI), known as machine learning (ML), and libraries.  In academic libraries, we’re thinking about adaptive strategies to be successful in an AI/ML driven world. Is AI being used in libraries? Will AI replace librarians? Are there advantages of AI in libraries?  

Spoiler alert: AI is being used in libraries. AI will not replace librarians. There are advantages––and disadvantages of AI in libraries.  

Here at Seattle University, Library Faculty are exploring other questions. What is AI literacy and why is it important? What competencies are needed to critically evaluate AI technologies? To communicate and collaborate effectively with AI? To use AI as a tool online, in the workplace, and at home? What are the implications and applications of AI for academic libraries? How might AI change academic library work at Seattle University? 

We suggest that AI literacy will equip current and future AI adopters to deploy and use the technology responsibly and equitably. To further our understanding of AI and its impact on libraries/librarianship, but ultimately on research, I’m especially pleased to introduce the AI and Librarianship Blog Series to the campus community.  

This series will cover a variety of topics connecting developments in the field of artificial intelligence, technology, and academic libraries/librarianship.  For discussions about ChatGPT and generative AI, classroom uses for ChatGPT, or issues surrounding academic integrity, we recommend you explore resources shared by the Center for Digital Learning and Innovation. In each Blog post, we will strive to provide cross-linking to SeattleU websites (CDLI) and materials in our collections related to the topic.

Our posts in the series include:  

• AI in Library Resources and Research Apps by Ekaterini Papadopoulou, Heath Sciences Librarian
• ChatGPT and AI Hallucination by Chris Granatino, Director, Research Services
• AI in Business and Business Schools, by Jason Hall, Business Librarian
• Care, academic excellence, justice: How can you ethically and responsibly use ChatGPT? by Jennifer Bodley, Adjunct Librarian
• AI and Privacy by Ekaterini Papadopoulou, Heath Sciences Librarian
• Ai and Librarianship: A Reading List, by Lydia Bello, Science and Engineering Librarian

Read on! 

- Sarah Barbara Watstein, Dean Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons