How to let AI take over librarianship

  • Reading time:5 mins read

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the landscape of many industries, and librarianship is no exception. For this reason, it is important for librarians to understand that being a librarian is about more than just providing information and maintaining a library’s collection. Here’s a list on how to disregard some of the combined qualities that make librarians more valuable than AI and increase the chance of AI taking over librarianship completely:

1. Only understand the popular parts of your library’s collection

Don’t look into the materials you have available, including books, journals, databases, and other resources. By not understanding the collection, librarians will be unfamiliar with the holdings of their library and be unable to help patrons find the information they need or be able to recommend materials that will be of interest to patrons quickly and efficiently.

2. Be a novice at information literacy.

Be unable to show patrons how to evaluate sources and how to use the library’s resources to find what they need effectively. This includes teaching patrons how to identify and use reliable sources, how to evaluate the credibility of online information, and how to use library resources such as catalogs and databases. By not providing patrons with the skills they need to find and use information effectively, librarians cannot help them make informed decisions and achieve their goals.

3. Ignore the latest developments in library science

This includes new technologies, best practices, and trends in the field. Don’t attend conferences, workshops, and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date. With the rapid pace of technological change, librarians that are unfamiliar with new tools and platforms will miss opportunities that will enhance the assistance to patrons in finding and using information or displaying library programs and services online. Continuing to use outdated tools is a sure way to let AI take over fast. By ignoring special new tools like CuratorKit that are continuously developed and designed to simplify common library tasks, librarians limit their productivity and waste library budget resources in the process.

4. Be an unskilled communicator

This includes the inability to explain technical concepts in plain language, the inability to communicate with non-English speakers, and the inability to communicate with patrons with disabilities. Be unable to explain complex information in a clear and simple way. Be impatient and unable to explain things multiple times if necessary. Don’t listen to patrons’ questions and concerns and respond in an unhelpful manner. By being an ineffective communicator, librarians cannot help patrons understand and use the information they need.

5. Don’t be a problem-solver

Don’t be able to think critically and creatively to find solutions to patrons’ problems. Don’t be able to work well under pressure and handle difficult situations with tact and professionalism. Librarians are often called upon to resolve problems, whether it’s helping a patron find a specific book or assisting them with a technical issue. By not being a problem-solver, librarians cannot help patrons overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. This also includes being unable to troubleshoot technical issues, such as helping patrons navigate a new database, or assisting them with a printing or scanning problem.

6. Be poor at creating/booking programs

Don’t understand your audience or work upon popular past programs for the targeted audience. Ignoring your population’s interests will not allow you to tailor your programs to them. Don’t plan for logistics. If there are other programs going on with intersecting times/audiences, ignore them along with the limited parking and help from staff that may be available at the time. Not promoting the event is a great way to make sure no one shows up.

Conclusion

Being a librarian requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and personal qualities. What separates librarians from AI is the ability to help patrons navigate the world of knowledge, foster a love of reading and learning, and provide great programs and activities. There’s currently a narrow chance that AI will completely take over librarianship any time soon, but actually following this list may increase that chance (so we really hope you don’t follow it!).