Information Literacy in the Artificial Intelligence Era: A Proposed Framework

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems and applications have become ubiquitous across daily life. While AI offers numerous positive opportunities, it also presents numerous challenges. Information literacy (IL) advocates are concerned about the risks that accompany AI systems. Given the universal reach of AI with its potential pitfalls and perils, researchers and practitioners from various fields and disciplines should inform the dialogue on AI’s development and application. A critical aspect of this dialogue comes in the form of information literacy. Our paper aims to answer the question “How can information literacy guide users in navigating and shaping artificial intelligence technologies?” by establishing a foundation for AI literacy (AIL). To do so, we contend that IL must serve as a foundation for AIL. We used the Association of College and Research Libraries Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education as a basis for a new AIL conceptual framework. The paper proceeds on the premise that the proposed framework can support more informed and responsible adaptation to AI and its technologies and applications.