AI in Indian Libraries: Prospects and Perceptions from Library Professionals

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McQuiston, Regina

APA Citation

Subaveerapandiyan, A. & Gozali, A. (2024). AI in Indian Libraries: Prospects and Perceptions from Library Professionals. Open Information Science, 8(1), 20220164. https://doi.org/10.1515/opis-2022-0164 

Summary

    A 2024 study which uses a survey of 386 information professionals in a variety of institutions (“Colleges, Universities, Technical Institutes, Management Institutes, Medical Institutes, and Research Institutes”). The survey focuses on five areas: socio-demographic information about the participants, their fundamental comprehension of AI, a self-assessment of their proficiency with AI systems in libraries, Perspectives on AI Libraries, and usage of AI tools and services. Overwhelmingly, these surveys demonstrated that these information professionals recognize that AI is crucial, support its utilization as a tool, and believe that AI cannot replace librarians. The results indicate that these information professionals have a strong understanding of AI and its potential use as a tool that further enhances the capabilities of ever-necessary human librarians. Below is a figure of some of the survey's relevant findings.

Opinion

    While exploring AI’s (nearly inevitable) role in the future of libraries, I found myself wondering about Library Professionals’ experience with - and opinions of - the practical application of AI in libraries. Much of the discussion surrounding AI revolves around how AI works, what it can do, and the risks associated with its use. Many of the articles I have explored - even ones specific to the use of AI in libraries - have been centered on the technology itself, largely neglecting the perspectives of the professionals who will be expected to use it. This study, however, offered a more human-centered insight into relevant professionals’ understanding of AI as well as the way AI can be utilized as a tool to maximize library offerings. It was interesting to see such a positive outlook from information professionals regarding the use of AI as a tool to supplement human capabilities and further the advancement of libraries and information professionals.

Using social media to improve user experience

Kathy Faubion

Price, E., & Richardson, R. (2017). Eavesdropping on the user experience. College & Research Libraries News, 78, 16-19. Retrieved from: http://crln.acrl.org/

Descriptive Summary: Libraries need to pay more attention to social media feedback in order to provide good customer service and maintain the integrity of our “brand”. Yik Yak is a mobile app which is kind of like a local public bulletin board, and is popular on some college campuses as a feedback outlet. This study harvested the data from Yik Yak about the college library and found out what the students had to say about their user experience.  Things like not enough computers, poor directional signage, and overall not enough access to new technology in an old building. The study concluded that libraries need to monitor social media feedback to find ways to improve customer service.

Evaluation: It seems to me that more and more folks will look for reviews on a product or service before they buy or use it. Many businesses monitor their feedback and customers look for businesses which are prompt in response. The library should do the same. Although surveys can be useful, I see this as the future way to respond to customer needs.

Keywords: mobile apps, librarians, libraries, user experience

Cultural Competence: A conceptual Framework for Library and Information Science Professionals

Martinez, Evelyn

Overall, P. (2009). Cultural Competence: A Conceptual Framework for Library and Information Science Professionals. The Library Quarterly, 79(2), 175-204. doi:10.1086/597080

Summary:  This article discusses the definition of cultural competence and how it relates to LIS professionals.  The author explains the importance of cultural competence in the field of LIS and how it plays a central role in meeting the needs of marginalized and underserved patrons in all types of libraries.

Evaluation/Opinion:  This an important article that should be read and examined by all LIS professionals if they wish to serve the needs of all patrons knowledgeably and equitably.

Poets as Librarians: Marrying the worlds of writing and librarianship

Smith, Sean

SS

http://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2014/librarian-as-poet-poet-as-librarian/

This article discusses the relationships between poets as librarians and building a sustainable poetry collection. The author discusses the duality of the writing and library communities and how she balances both.

As a writer and librarian, I found this article to be helpful and insightful. Like the author of this article, I typically keep my writing life separate from my work life, which happens to be in a public library. The thought of bringing in poets to read to the library has crossed my mind but to be honest, I don’t believe that the patrons of our library would be very receptive to this. Our patrons are more interested in local history, and culture in our city isn’t really a priority among citizens.

An interesting quote at the conclusion of the article: “It is my hope that the networks between poet librarians will grow, helping us to collaborate while supporting each other through the (equally stressful?) process of writing and librarianship.”

Tags: poets, poetry, librarians, writers, writing

Sean Smith, Spring 2016, INFO 266

Digital Libraries Postive of Negative

Wilson, Shibrie

The Good News and the Bad News. (2015, May 24). Retrieved from http://lj.libraryjournal.com/blogs/annoyedlibrarian/2015/05/14/the-good-news-and-the-bad-news/

There is a constant debate amongst librarians regarding going digital. Many traditional librarians are opposed to materials being accessible to patrons digitally. The issue that some librarians prefer that patrons access library physically and not accessing just on website. Since libraries are constantly competing and defending its relevance we must continue to offer innovative content and materials for patrons. Individuals are seeking after materials in which they can access online without coming to a physical library. This article focuses on different arguments from across the board from those who fully support a digitized library. Some librarians are ready to change the stereotype associated with library of it being boring and just for purpose of "reading books." Libraries will continue to remain relevant due to preferences of different persons, according to article. 

Opinion:

I resonated with this article because it is frustrating to think about different aspects of library and where it will leave professionals. There are different aspect because as professionals we must continue to provide innovative ideas in order to compete with technology. Yet, downside to such is that it can possibly eliminate our jobs. 

School Libraries and Ebooks

Wilson, Shibrie

Nelson, C. (2012). What eBooks Mean for School Libraries: Part 1. Education World. Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/how-a-school-library-has-embraced-ebooks.shtml

Dorman High School in Roebuck, South Carolina has adopted ebooks within its collection. Ebooks were initially used amongst students for recreational reading and many popular fiction books were available. Students were able to choose from two different resources, one being Gale resources and the other OverDrive. Gale resources are able to accessed from the library catalog operated by Destiny and accessed from computers and mobile devices. OverDrive was used for adult fiction books in which librarians felt that students would enjoy to read outside of curriculum reads. Devices are not provided to individuals by school instead, student bring their own devices and access materials accordingly. Teachers are also able to access these materials and according to article are extremely pleased because of amount of content they can access. Librarians found it important that students were able to have options in how to access materials such as whether or not to choose print or a digital book. 

Opinion:

I appreciate Dorman High School for doing a trial for how successful ebooks would be for the libraries. I think it is very important for students to have a choice in type of material in which they would like to choose. Both sources in which they are utilizing for digital materials are valuable.