AI in academic libraries: the future of higher education?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic for quite some time, but until relatively recently, it still had the patina of science fiction in the minds of many. That was before the advent of ChatGPT and AI-powered image generators turned machine learning and large language models into household terms; in 2023, all it takes to witness AI technologies in action firsthand is a web browser.In previous blog posts we have looked at various ways academic libraries use AI to improve their services, from collection management to content indexing. This time around we'll explore the impact of these emerging technologies on academic librarianship, and how higher-education institutions are preparing the next generation of library professionals and educators to navigate the practical applications and ethical implications of AI tools.