Visit the AI Literacy Day and Discover the Role of Libraries in the AI Revolution
Amsterdam, vrijdag, 16 mei 2025.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam invites everyone to the AI Literacy Day on 29 April 2025, a unique event exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on education, research, and the role of libraries. Experts and policymakers will gather to discuss inclusivity and how AI enhances our approach to knowledge. The day offers workshops and lectures providing insights into how libraries, as cornerstones of information dissemination, can contribute to AI literacy. With special attention to decolonisation and ethical approaches, the event aims to enhance participants’ AI skills to address future societal challenges. Do not miss this opportunity to learn and network with pioneers in the field of AI and education.
Applications of AI in Libraries
With artificial intelligence, libraries can transform in ways that improve accessibility and personal experience. For example, AI-driven search systems allow users to navigate collections quickly and efficiently without endless scrolling. The technology, such as Bookbot, uses natural language processing, enabling users to ask questions in a human way and receive relevant book recommendations directly [3].
Personal Recommendations and Automatic Cataloguing
AI also offers the potential for automatic cataloguing and providing personal recommendations based on user preferences. This system employs complex algorithms and techniques such as Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to optimise the relevance of suggestions [3]. This innovation equips libraries to deliver current and useful information tailored to the individual needs of users [3].
Digital Assistants and the Community Library
Digital assistants are becoming more prominent in modern libraries. They assist users with simple queries and guide them through various services and materials, making the experience more efficient. In libraries within the Brainport region, such AI solutions have already been successfully tested and implemented [3].
Challenges: Privacy and Accessibility
Although AI significantly improves services, the technology also faces critical challenges, such as privacy issues. Using personal data to make recommendations raises questions about data protection, particularly in contexts such as those discussed during the AI Literacy Day [6]. Additionally, there is a continuous need to ensure that AI applications remain accessible to diverse demographic groups [1][3].
The Changing Role of Library Staff
With AI implementation, the role of library staff shifts from routine tasks to more complex customer support. AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing staff more time for personal interaction with visitors and to better address their informational needs [3].
Impact on Information Literacy and Knowledge Democratisation
AI plays a crucial role in information literacy and the democratisation of knowledge. By integrating AI tools into libraries, users gain access to a wide range of resources and educational materials that enrich their knowledge [6]. Events like the AI Literacy Day emphasise the importance of AI literacy for the future and the central role libraries can play in this [6].
Innovative Examples and Future Perspectives
As examples of innovative AI implementation, several libraries are already experimenting with advanced technologies to improve their services and adapt to changing user needs [3]. Moreover, seminars and events, such as the conference at the Rotterdam Library, highlight the latest AI applications and their societal impact [2].