Libraries in Response
Session 130: "Internet Manifesto: IFLA AI SIG Update"
The IFLA Internet Manifesto has extended its inclusion of AI. The IFLA AI Special Interest Group (SIG) has published "Developing a Library Strategic Response to AI"Join in for a debrief from returning speaker, Andrew Cox, convener of the IFLA AI SIG on the report and on the status and outlook for the SIG.
Speaker:
Andrew Cox,
Senior lecturer at the Information School, University of Sheffield. Convener IFLA AI SIG
The IFLA Internet Manifesto, published last year, aims to bring together all the different aspects of library engagement in how the internet does - and should - work. Naturally, AI is becoming an ever larger element of that work.
"The strategy most aligned to existing library practices and librarian identities, particularly in university, school and public libraries, is to take a lead role in promoting AI literacy. There is a widespread understanding that the public, as citizens and workers need to understand the new technologies. Students, whatever discipline they are studying, need such knowledge for employability. . . .
AI literacy is likely to include the ability to identify when AI is being used; to appreciate the differences between narrow and general AI; to understand what types of problem AI is good at solving; to understand how machine learning models are trained. It would also include awareness of ethical issues such as bias, privacy, explainability and social impact." - IFLA AI SIG
"Developing a library strategic response to Artificial Intelligence" AI is ‘the defining technology of our generation’ according to a recent joint statement by the UK and US governments. We all understand that it is likely to impact library and information work profoundly, so it is important to try and be more than reactive and think strategically about the opportunities and problems it is creating. The article poses nine key questions for consideration, and reflects on some answers that might support a more strategic library approach to AI." - Andrew Cox
Tune in! Join in this important work!NOTE: New start time: Noon ET / 1600 UTC
"Libraries are magical--maybe the most magical institution humans ever came up with. We should be expanding them at every turn! - Bill McKibben, environmentalist and author
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