Cutting through the noise: Assessing tools that employ artificial intelligence
25 Pages Posted: 1 Jul 2024
Date Written: June 26, 2024
Abstract
The popularization of artificial intelligence represents a significant business opportunity for private actors developing tools and services aimed at research and higher education. Academic libraries are often at the receiving end of sales pitches for new tools and could benefit from guidance on how to assess them. Libraries' assessment of tools is a valuable service to library stakeholders, many of whom may not have sufficient time, the necessary competences, or the inclination to explore the landscape of innovations promising to support their information needs and research endeavours. This article offers concrete guidance concerning what to consider when assessing whether to adopt, endorse and/or invest in innovative information and research tools that make use of artificial intelligence. The main areas proposed for reflection concern (i) tool purpose, design, and technical aspects, (ii) information literacy, academic craftsmanship and integrity, (iii) ethics and the political economy of artificial intelligence.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI tools, academic libraries, library services, library acquisitions, public procurement
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