A new intermediary: How AI may impact libraries, research and information retrieval
Librarians across the globe are preparing for transformative changes with the advent of artificial intelligence, rethinking their roles and the services they provide. AI holds the potential to revolutionize cataloging and research, automating tasks to free up librarians for more complex queries. Kira Smith from the Ask a Librarian service sees AI as a way to manage routine questions, thereby enhancing the efficiency of librarians. Meanwhile, Nicole Hennig from the University of Arizona Libraries discusses the shift towards semantic search technologies, which could improve how information is retrieved and increase access to untagged scholarly materials. As AI reshapes information literacy and challenges traditional roles, librarians like Martin Frické are considering how to adapt by becoming skilled in AI applications to continue serving their communities effectively. Despite these advancements, maintaining patron privacy remains a paramount concern as libraries navigate the integration of new technologies.