The impact of Artificial Intelligence on Subject Librarians in Academic Libraries

 

Ashika Pramlal

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed various industries, and academic libraries are no exception. With the advent of AI technologies, subject librarians, who traditionally played pivotal roles in curating and disseminating information, are facing both challenges and opportunities. In this blog, we’ll explore the evolving landscape of academic libraries in the age of AI and delve into the impact it has on subject librarians.

AI technologies, including machine learning algorithms, natural language processing and data analytics have revolutionized how libraries manage and deliver information. AI powered systems can analyze vast amounts of data, extract insights and enhance user experiences. In academic libraries, AI applications range from intelligent search engines and recommendations to virtual assistants and automated cataloguing tools.

Impact of AI on Subject Librarians

As AI continues to reshape the landscape of academic libraries, Subject Librarians must embrace technological innovation while upholding their core values of user-centered service, intellectual freedom and information literacy. By harnessing the power of AI to enhance resource discovery, personalized assistance and data driven decision making, subject librarians can adapt to evolving user needs and remain indispensable partners in supporting teaching, learning and research in academic institutions.

Enhanced Resource Discovery – AI driven search engines and recommendation systems empower users to discover relevant resources efficiently. This reduces the need for manual assistance in basic information retrieval. Subject Librarians can focus on more complex queries and provide specialized support tailored to individual research needs.

Data Analysis and Visualization – AI tools enable Subject Librarians to analyze usage patterns, citations and research rends within disciplines. By harnessing AI data analytics, librarians can gain valuable insights into evolving information needs of their academic communities, facilitating evidence evidence-based collection development strategies.

Personalized Assistance – Virtual assistants powered by AI, such as chatbots, offer round the clock support to library patrons. Subject Librarians can collaborate with AI systems to develop personalized LibGuides, recommend resources and address frequently asked questions to a FAQ knowledge base, thereby extending their reach and accessibility beyond traditional service hours.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the benefits, the integration of AI poses several challenges and considerations for Subject Librarians:

Ethical Implications – AI algorithms may exhibit biases in data processing and decision-making, perpetuating existing inequalities in information access. AII tools can ensure equitable and transparent information services for all users.

Skills Development – Subject Librarians need to acquire new skills in AI technologies, data analysis and information visualization to effectively leverage AI tools in their professional practice. Continuous learning and professional development programs are essential to empower librarians in adapting to technological advancements.

User Privacy and Data Security – AI applications in academic libraries raise concerns regarding user privacy and data security. Subject Librarians must prioritize the ethical handling of sensitive information and implement robust data protection measures to safeguard user confidentiality and trust.

In conclusion, while AI presents both challenges and opportunities for subject librarians, proactive engagement with AI technologies can empower librarians to redefine their roles and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of academic libraries in the digital age.

 

South African Library Week 2024

By Jillian Viljoen

The UKZN PMB Main Library hosted South African Library Week with lively festivities from 18-24 March. The theme of the week was ‘Libraries foster social cohesion’. There were song competitions throughout each day with many prizes being handed out. A snippet of a popular song was played over the intercom and the first student to identify the song and singer got a prize. This created a lot of excitement and interest in the program and the library as a whole. Some students said that they had no idea that they could have fun in the library. There was also a range of guest speakers from various departments on campus. Some students mentioned that they learned a lot from the guest speakers and enjoyed engaging in the talks. All participants conveyed their appreciation for being included in the program and for the library being used to highlight the services of various campus departments. Freebies were handed out to attendees at the talks, which were a hit with the students.

 

The winners of our song competitions:

To add to the celebrations, we had a dance competition where 6 students participated enthusiastically. It was very exciting.

The winners of the dance competition, with Dr Nonhlanhla Ngcobo in the middle:

The various guest speakers discussed the services which they provide and they included the theme of South African Library Week “Libraries Foster Social Cohesion”.

The guest speakers:

Some of the attendees at the talks:

Many entries were received for the competition on the library resources, based on the online training sessions offered between 4-16 March. With so many correct entries, it was a pity that there could be only 5 winners.

Four of the winners of the library resources competition:

The fifth winner was Ms Aamina Danka.

The library is a source of information for assignments and research but it is also a place where we can engage in discussions on various topics. South African Library Week was a platform for social engagement in the library and we had loads of fun in the process. Have a look at the pics and judge for yourself. Hope you will join us next year for another exciting program.

Living in my bubble - in the bubble, from the bubble, out the bubble.

 

By Renee Damonse

Most of us operate from our own perspective, thinking, interacting, communicating, offering services from our own context, from our life experiences and backgrounds. All that we are exposed to makes us who we are today. We need to remember this and take into account that people have feelings, that people react to situations based on what is happening in their lives. We have no idea the kind of day someone is having. We just see the physical appearance and are clueless as to the emotions, etc a person is going through. We are all encapsulated in our own bubble. Living in a bubble. Living in our own bubble.

In my bubble I have a BSc or an Hon's or PhD degree from UKZN. I drive a VW. I travel on the N3. I eat KFC. I attend St Alps church. I buy bread from Woolies and PNP. We direct students to the LAN. They major in Psych, Eco, Bio and Socio. When offering library instruction, I may mention RMS, RonMc, LibGuides, Class numbers, DDC, LC, RC, MMC, etc. I know what these terms, abbreviations and acronyms mean, but do students? We give students a DDC guide, not acknowledging that they may never have used DDC before don’t and may not understand what the decimal point means.

We advise students to register for training sessions on cellphones and laptops, but do we check that the necessary instructions have been provided? The student may be left wondering in the absence of instructions what happens once you have registered for the session. This happens because I am living in my bubble.

My poor listeners are often left in the dark, trying to figure out what I am talking about. As new students, fresh from high school, eager and ready to start a new chapter of their lives at university, they hear all these new terms and concepts and must be so confused and lost.

Attending meetings and trainings and myself being exposed to other people’s jargon, it made me stop and re-evaluate my training sessions and the terms and concepts that I use. I now try to be more aware of library jargon, and try to stick to basics and explain terms that may be new to my listeners.

Let's burst the bubble. Let’s climb out of our bubble and realise that others are not in the same bubble as us. We need to realise that we all do not operate from the same bubble. We need to cater to the needs of others. We need to empathise and place ourselves in their shoes, and try experience what they are going through. Let’s burst the bubble and try to be more accommodating.

I will now try to break free from my bubble and speak about Risk Management Services, Ronald McMillon lecture theatre in Golf Road, online guides, Dewey Decimal classification numbers, Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of Congress subject headings, Research Commons, Multimedia Classroom, etc. I will now try to give better descriptions, showing pictures if it is a presentation. I hope by trying to be clearer and being more specific that I now leave my listener with a clearer path to follow.

When you are new and overwhelmed it is so daunting for new students. We need to try remember all those situations that we ourselves have faced where we were also new to a situation, when we felt unsure, needed help, needed a smile and a helping hand to guide and re-assure us along the path. Put yourself in the other person’s situation. Let's go the extra mile. Let's move on trying to help each other. We do not know their background, what they went through last night or that morning, or five minutes before they asked you for assistance. Let’s try to be as neutral and helpful as possible when offering our help to library patrons.

Try to offer the best assistance possible, given that you yourself may have had a fight with your mother, or experienced a death in the family. The person asking for help is unaware of your situation and what you have been through, just as you may be blissfully unaware of what they have been through. It’s all so easy to be so wrapped up in ourselves and live in our own bubble and forget that the world is turning and spinning for all the humans out there. Welcome, welcome, welcome to our world. Let’s knock our bubbles together, offer the information needed, offering our help to produce the research paper, assignment, proposal, project. A little gentleness goes a long way to ensuring all needs are met. A little kindness can go a long way.

 

A conducive Library space can foster students to learn and improve their social interaction while simultaneously promoting academic success.

By Sicelo Hlongwane

Librarians have been outspoken in their advocacy for libraries to establish areas for social engagements while preserving a calm study atmosphere.

Dr. Adetayo of the University of Adeleke, along with other seasoned librarians, fervently support areas for socialising in the library, such as the café or lounge area, while making sure other spaces in the library are strictly for quiet studying. According to their research, libraries are vital hubs for social and academic activity and have a great deal of potential to help students form friendships. Apart from providing academic resources, libraries offer a space and a range of services and resources in addition to academic resources that can aid students in developing meaningful interactions with their peers (Deng et al., 2017).

 The authors' article highlights the vital function that academic libraries play in promoting social bonds and establishing a sense of community among students. Student social relationships are facilitated by the library's space and resources as they connect to the internet to communicate with their friends. Students and researchers receive enormous support from the library facilities that include spaces for interaction between students from different backgrounds, research commons, friendly staff and discussion rooms that influence and foster social integration. Additionally, students also receive research support skills to overcome obstacles they may encounter when writing their research papers and during the publication process.

 

Research indicates that students typically place a high priority on reading, leisure, helpful staff and welcoming library environments that promote a feeling of safety and community (Merga, 2021 and Adetayo et al., 2023). The UKZN Library Services offers an inclusive environment, that encourages social interaction and promotes emotional well-being.

The library offers an environment where students can develop their creative expression, social skills, and meaningful interactions with their peers. The library offers a vast array of resources as well, such as print materials, electronic books, periodicals, software, digital databases, and the Internet. We have tools at the music library that motivate students to collaborate on projects and participate in group discussions.

Research indicates that learners generally appreciate helpful personnel. To establish a dedicated area for social interaction and preserve a calm environment, libraries need to go beyond simply being storehouses for conventional books and databases, while maintaining a quiet atmosphere for students to learn.

 

References

Adetayo, A.J., Adekunmisi, S.R., Otonekwu, F.O. and Adesina, O.F., 2023. The role of academic libraries in facilitating friendships among students. IFLA journal, 49(4), pp.694-703.

Deng, Q., Allard, B., Lo, P., Chiu, D.K., See-To, E.W. and Bao, A.Z., 2019. The role of the library café as a learning space: A comparative analysis of three universities. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 51(3), pp.823-842.

Merga, M.K., 2021. Libraries as wellbeing supportive spaces in contemporary schools. Journal of Library Administration, 61(6), pp.659-675.

 

 

PMB Library bids farewell to two retirees

 

                                                                          By Shorba Harkhu

PMB library held a  memorable farewell reception for two staff members who retired at the end of last year; Roshan Bhagwandin from the Cecil Renaud Library and Nicky Pitout from the Life Sciences Library. Roshan worked in the library since 1978 and Nicky since 1989, a total of 87 years of service between the two of them. Both were part of the Circulation Desk team.

Both were well liked by staff and students. We will miss Roshan’s quiet and polite demeanour and Nicky’s cheerful greetings and her vibrant personality. We wish them both a happy and healthy retirement.