Cover of New Horizons in Artificial Intelligence in Libraries

New Horizons in Artificial Intelligence in Libraries

By: Edmund Balnaves, Leda Bultrini, Andrew Cox, Raymond Uzwyshyn

Publisher: De Gruyter Saur
Published: 2024-12-16
Language: Unknown
Format: BOOK
Pages: N/A
ISBN: 9783111335711

About This Book

There is increasing use of AI technologies in many aspects of library operations and types of libraries. This ranges across public, national, research, academic and special libraries and includes public and reference services, automated classification, special and research collections, archives and customer service through chatbots and discovery systems. Vendors are also adding elements of AI in new and existing library products including search and discovery and research platforms and recommender systems. The role and impact of AI present opportunities and challenges and open future possibilities. IT plays a significant role in the development and use of AI technologies, but ethical considerations and wider organizational thinking must also play an equally significant role. AI's uses can have considerable impact and possible unintended consequences on library operations and services and wider societal implications. All of this is considered in this both pragmatic and wider philosophical text. This publication provides an opportunity to explore developing new library AI paradigms, including present use case practical implementation and opportunities on the horizon as well as current large ethics questions and needs for transparency, scenario planning, considerations and implications of bias as library AI systems are developed and implemented presently and for our collective future.

AI Overview

"New Horizons in Artificial Intelligence in Libraries" is a comprehensive book edited by Edmund Balnaves, Leda Bultrini, Andrew Cox, and Raymond Uzwyshyn. The book explores the current and future applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries, highlighting both the technological advancements and the ethical considerations involved. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

  1. Current Directions in AI for Libraries:

    • The book begins with an introductory overview of AI and its integration into library operations. It covers various aspects of AI, including machine learning, natural language processing, and content indexing.
  2. Ethical Considerations:

    • A significant focus is placed on the ethical implications of AI in libraries. This includes discussions on transparency, bias, and the need for scenario planning to mitigate potential unintended consequences.
  3. Practical Implementation:

    • The book delves into practical use cases of AI in libraries, such as search and discovery platforms, recommender systems, and automated classification systems.
  4. Educational Implications:

    • It explores how AI can impact education, particularly in higher education settings, by discussing bias-free AI systems and their potential to enhance student success.
  5. Library IT Projects and Collaborations:

    • The book showcases various library IT projects and collaborations that leverage AI tools and techniques to enhance library services and competitive advantage.

Plot Summary

The book is structured into three parts:

  1. Current Directions in AI for Libraries:

    • This section provides an introductory overview of AI in libraries, discussing its current applications and future possibilities. It includes chapters on the practical implementation of AI in various library settings, such as public, national, research, academic, and special libraries.
  2. Implications for Use of AI in Libraries and Education:

    • This part delves deeper into the implications of AI on library services and education. It covers topics such as policy contexts, ethics case studies, and the impact of AI on cataloging and indexing practices.
  3. Projects in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing:

    • This section focuses on specific projects and applications of machine learning and natural language processing in libraries. It includes case studies on automatic creation of linked subject systems, topic modeling, and assessing machine learning for cataloging.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book is part of the IFLA Publications series, which is highly regarded in the library and information science community. The book's focus on both practical implementation and ethical considerations suggests that it will be well-received by both practitioners and scholars in the field.

Publication Details

  • ISBN-13: 9783111335711
  • Publisher: De Gruyter
  • Publication Date: December 16, 2024
  • Series: IFLA Publications, #185
  • Pages: 393
  • Product Dimensions: 6.10(w) x 9.06(h) x 0.00(d)
  • Age Range: 18 Years and above

Overall, "New Horizons in Artificial Intelligence in Libraries" is a comprehensive resource that provides a detailed exploration of AI's role in modern libraries, emphasizing both the technological advancements and the ethical considerations necessary for its successful implementation.