Artificial Intelligence and Robots in Libraries: Opportunities in LIS Curriculum for Preparing the Librarians of Tomorrow

Abstract

The use of AI and robots in library and information science is garnering attention due to early applications and their potential to contribute to the digital transformation of the information professions. This paper assesses the challenges and opportunities for LIS education in these topics. To achieve this aim, this paper reviews the curriculum, through subject descriptions, of five ALIA accredited LIS courses in Australia and the ALIA foundation knowledge documentation. Content analysis is employed to identify and assess the framing of AI, robotics and related themes in the documentation. Findings indicate only one subject mentions AI to position subject content and none mention robotics. An analysis of the framing of related themes, such as digital technology, data, and information ethics, is discussed. Findings also indicate multiple areas for the inclusion of these topics within the five categories of the ALIA foundation knowledge, while allowing for differentiation among programmatic and institutional foci. This paper argues that a form of integration of these topics in LIS professional education will be necessary in order to meet future skills needs. This paper concludes with opportunities for LIS education in Australia.