AI and information access

CHICAGO — How is the emergence of generative AI impacting information users and professionals? Published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, “AI and Information Access: Benefits, Challenges and Lessons” examines this vital question by first raising evidence-based questions around user interactions with AI and its efficacy in providing responses that are relevant and suitable for specific user needs and contexts. Discussing the implications of AI for libraries and database services, G. G. Chowdhury and Sudatta Chowdhury investigate the legal and ethical issues of using Gen AI as well as the skills needed to use these tools effectively to find data and information for research and in everyday life. This authoritative work explores:

• the impact of AI tools on information by changing user behavior, shifting the gap in user access and impending users to find the best data and being critical;
• how libraries and database search services can adapt these tools to improve access to information and data;
• the ways in which the use of these tools could generate new knowledge in information science, seeking and retrieval research, and education; and
• how these tools can be trained to best fulfil users’ needs and context.

The authors collaborated most recently on the book “Information for Sustainable Development: Technology, People and Society.”

G. G. Chowdhury is a Professor of Information Science in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Strathclyde. Professor Chowdhury is a world-leading expert in digital libraries, cultural information management, and sustainable information systems and services. He has published 16 books and over 160 research papers and has previously served as the European and Global Chair of the iSchools organization.

Sudatta Chowdhury is a Research Associate in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Strathclyde. Her research focuses on information-seeking behavior and human-centered challenges for access to information, including digital divide and digital and information skills. She has co-authored five books, several journal and conference papers, and book chapters.

Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.