Beit-Arie, O., (2024). Pulse of the Library 2024. Clarivate. DOI: 10.14322/pulse.of.the.library.2024. https://clarivate.com/pulse-of-the-library/
Submitted by Lisa Danes
Summary:
The Pulse of the Library 2024
report conducted by Clarivate[i]
last April 2024 reveals that while more than 60% of all types of libraries (out
of 1,500 surveyed) are currently evaluating or planning for some kind of AI implementation
in the next twelve months, 58% of respondents from public libraries indicated
their institution has no plans or is not actively pursuing AI technology. Only
31% of academic institutions reported being in the same predicament. This situation
typically results from limited budget resources. The numbers in support of AI
are still much higher with intended large implementation efforts, though, as
only 27% of respondents intend to enhance or adopt a library management system,
and only 22% plan to expand solutions for collection development.
Many librarians are
enthusiastic about the possibilities that AI tools continue to offer,
specifically reducing routine tasks to permit more time for strategic and
creative planning. However, the Clarivate report suggests that many more librarians
(52%) are concerned about an AI skills gap and how the training needed would have
the biggest near-term impact on employment. Some librarians plan to offer workshops,
seminars, and online opportunities. However, 32% of global respondents indicated
that no training will be available, while the number rose to 43% by U.S. respondents.
Regardless of the kind of AI improvement, budget scarcity was often cited (47%)
as being responsible for the lack of training opportunities.
[i]
Clarivate is the parent company of ProQuest, Ex Libris, Web Science, and
additional database resources.
Reflection:
The possibilities
are nearly endless for libraries to provide the most up-to-date information to
patrons via advanced, convenient tools. I’ve been rather fascinated by the
current literature around AI tools and libraries, so I have read several
articles for our Assigned Reading assignment. Many themes are consistent
throughout and are also reflected in the Clarivate survey: strained budgets typically
prevent major AI advancements; librarians, especially those in the public
sector, fear that machine assisted technology may ultimately eliminate their
jobs; and a significant skills-gap exists that may not be adequately bridged.
The possibilities of
AI in libraries are indeed endless. Enduring, ever-present issues such as
funding must be tackled with the advancement of AI technology in mind to keep
libraries at the forefront of always providing valuable, current information.
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