Artificial Intelligence and Robots in Libraries: Opportunities in LIS Curriculum for Preparing the Librarians of Tomorrow

ABSTRACT

The use of AI and robots in library and information science is garnering attention due to early applications and their potential to contribute to the digital transformation of the information professions. This paper assesses the challenges and opportunities for LIS education in these topics. To achieve this aim, this paper reviews the curriculum, through subject descriptions, of five ALIA accredited LIS courses in Australia and the ALIA foundation knowledge documentation. Content analysis is employed to identify and assess the framing of AI, robotics and related themes in the documentation. Findings indicate only one subject mentions AI to position subject content and none mention robotics. An analysis of the framing of related themes, such as digital technology, data, and information ethics, is discussed. Findings also indicate multiple areas for the inclusion of these topics within the five categories of the ALIA foundation knowledge, while allowing for differentiation among programmatic and institutional foci. This paper argues that a form of integration of these topics in LIS professional education will be necessary in order to meet future skills needs. This paper concludes with opportunities for LIS education in Australia.

KEYWORDS:

• Artificial intelligence
• education
• LIS curriculum
• curriculum review
• technological adaptation

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 https://alia.org.au/Web/Careers/Becoming-An-Information-Professional/Librarians-and-information-specialists.aspx

2 Note that program subjects from Curtin University and Open University of Australia were collapsed in this analysis, and therefore were only counted once. While OUA’s program is distinctly accredited through ALIA, the courses are offered through Curtin University.

3 ‘Rubbish in, rubbish out’ is a common equivalent.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth Tait

Dr Elizabeth Tait is a Senior Lecturer in Information Studies at Charles Sturt University where she is a Course Director. Her research interests are in the socio-cultural impact of digital technologies with a particular focus on cultural heritage and political engagement. She is also interested in how emergent technologies impact on skills needs and skills development in the GLAMR sector.

Cameron M Pierson

Dr Cameron M. Pierson is a researcher at L3S Research Center in Hannover, Germany and a Research Fellow at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. His professional practice in LIS has brought him to different library types and research contexts around the world, including Australia, the USA, and New Zealand. His current research interests focus on AI ethics related to applied uses in medicine, information ethics, LIS education, and librarian professional identity.