A SWOT Analysis Approach to AI in Libraries

 

Petro, Corinne

International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. (n.d.). Developing a Library Strategic Response to Artificial Intelligence. Retrieved from https://www.ifla.org/g/ai/developing-a-library-strategic-response-to-artificial-intelligence/

Summary:

This is a working document created by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions to create a strategic response to artificial intelligence (AI). First, the authors provide multiple definitions of AI, and discuss some of the ethical concerns that have arisen with the introduction of AI into the workforce. Then, the authors move to discussing how AI has impacted libraries in ways that are both “wide and deep.” There are various ways in which AI is currently used in libraries such as improving accessibility to library collections, aiding in metadata creation, supporting data scientist communities, translation, and text generation. Looking towards the future, AI’s predictive capabilities may be able to help libraries better understand user behavior and inform decision-making processes.To meet these changes, the authors stress that AI literacy is integral for both staff and patrons. In addition, libraries must think and act strategically within the context of AI’s impact on libraries by positioning themselves within institutional, sectoral, and national priorities and/or policies. The authors identify three categories of AI policies that are popular in different areas of the world: development, control, and promotion. Where a library is located will impact how it can develop and use AI. Then, the authors create a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) for AI in libraries. One of the strengths they found is that libraries are trusted sources that have values like access to knowledge and privacy protection. These values could counteract some of the challenges that come with AI. One of the weaknesses is that commercial AI products can be costly and many libraries have limited budgets and limited technical capacities. One of the opportunities is that AI automates routine tasks and aids in professional tasks. Lastly, one of the threats is that there is a lot of fear surrounding AI, both in the public and in libraries. The authors move on to name ten institutional approaches to AI in libraries. These approaches involve hiring new staff that are already familiar with AI, upskilling current staff to be competent in AI, engaging with the library’s user base to see how they are using AI, studying best practices, etc. The authors state that some of these institutional approaches may be combined. They also list the pros and cons for each institutional response. Lastly, the authors outline what they believe to be the three most important strategies for libraries today. The first is using library AI capabilities to model responsible and explainable applications of descriptive AI. This includes using descriptive AI to improve the description and retrieval of library collections, ensuring usability and explainability of AI tools used in a library, documenting AI related projects thoroughly and openly. Some challenges with this include prioritizing collections, solving conceptual issues, and establishing sustainable services. The second strategy is using librarians’ data competencies to enhance organizational AI capability. This strategy includes using librarians’ data expertise to support data scientists and future AI applications. Activities include finding data sources, promoting data sharing and standards, and ensuring data quality and compliance. The third strategy is promoting AI literacy to enhance organizational and societal AI capabilities. This strategy includes libraries taking the lead in promoting AI literacy, especially in educational and public settings. Challenges with this strategy include librarians needing to understand the complexity of AI, including algorithmic literacy. Librarians will also have to grapple with the opacity of AI in infrastructure, especially Big Tech.

Opinion:

I found this article to be helpful in understanding what librarians can do now to facilitate the integration of AI into libraries. There are many articles on this topic that theorize a lot and do not offer much in the way of solutions beyond general advice. Although AI integration into libraries is still very new, the authors of this piece provide multiple strategies that librarians can use depending on their area’s relationship with AI. I liked that the authors used a SWOT analysis to break down this issue. Overall, I like how this article offered multiple approaches to a complex problem. Each approach was unique which allows for librarians to assess their current position in the AI landscape, and adopt whichever approach works best for them.