AI for the Information Professional

Is artificial intelligence (AI) a question answering machine, a helpful companion, a persuasive storyteller, a deceitful often hidden system, or a global industry?

In this authoritative and thought-provoking guide, Andrew Cox invites library and information professionals to reflect on the exciting and troubling concept of AI and the impact it is having on their work and the library and information sector more broadly. Blending practical tips and activities with critical insight, the book equips readers to make informed choices about when – and how – to use AI, answering a range of key questions such as:

• What is AI and what is the history of the idea?
• How is AI changing information behaviour?
• What are the ethical issues around AI?
• How can we make sense of AI’s impact on the environment?
• How can we boost the AI capability of our own library?
• What should every librarian know about AI?
• What are the elements of AI literacy or competency?
• How is AI changing research and what are the implications for libraries?
• How will libraries employ their own chatbots?
• What is the future of AI?

With a distinctive narrative approach, AI for the Information Professional is an engaging, accessible exploration of the stories we tell about AI – and how those stories influence its role in our institutions. Written by one of the leading experts on AI in the sector, this book is an essential, hands-on companion for librarians and information professionals seeking to navigate uncertainty, champion responsible innovation, and shape the future of their field.