Chinese American Librarians Association Asia-Pacific Chapter (CALA-AP) held its first annual webinar series on June 16 and 17, 2024. This event brought together distinguished experts and scholars from the Chinese and American library communities for an engaging and informative discussion. Among the notable speakers were Professor Ying Ye of the DaKes Research Institute and Academia Europaea, Professor Wei Liu, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Library, and Laurie Bridges, Instruction and Outreach Librarian at Oregon State University. This webinar series marks a significant step for CALA-AP in exploring the intersection of AI and library services, emphasizing both technological advancements and the enduring importance of human expertise in the library profession.
Summary of the First Webinar on June 16
The first session centered on the development of the library industry and the challenges & opportunities it faces, particularly with the application of information technology. Discussions covered the integration of electronic resources and the impact of the internet and mobile internet on library services. It was moderated by CALA Membership Chair Xue Fei. She mentioned that the CALA Asia Pacific Chapter aims to deepen partnerships between CALA members and chapters in the US and Canada with librarians, libraries, and library associations in the Asia Pacific region. This inaugural webinar celebrated the establishment of the CALA-AP.
Professor Ying Ye provided a macro-level overview of how current AI technology is leading a revolutionary tenfold increase in productivity. He highlighted the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in both present and future library services, explaining how “large model” technology, a form of general AI, is fundamentally reshaping library services and business processes. This underscores AI’s transformative impact on enhancing efficiency and operations within the library industry. Professor Wei Liu provided a practical perspective on the challenges associated with AI. He addressed issues such as the technology gap, data security, and ethical considerations. Using the Shanghai Library as a case study, he highlighted their proactive approach to exploring new technologies, including the development of proprietary platforms and initiatives to enhance AI literacy among librarians. Liu also discussed the evolving landscape of professional library education and the changing roles and responsibilities of librarians in the era of AI. Despite AI’s potential to automate traditional tasks, he underscored the irreplaceable value of librarians’ professional knowledge, interpersonal skills, and innovative capabilities.
In the open discussion, they explored the ethical norms and standards for integrating AIGC tools into academic research. They also discussed the skills and knowledge educators and administrators need to enhance to meet future educational demands. The conversation highlighted how AI, especially technologies like GPT-4, DALL-E2, and M6, is revolutionizing various sectors and promoting intelligent development.
Webinar 1 recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQcSY4dAZE0
Summary of the Second Webinar on June 17
The second session was moderated by CALA-AP President Katherina, with Laurie Bridges from Oregon State University leading the discussion. Bridges shared insights from her research on the impact of generative AI tools on library services. Her presentation emphasized the importance of understanding and preparing library environments for AI integration and included teaching relevant courses.
This session aimed to foster a global dialogue on optimizing library services through AI while considering ethical and practical implications. The discussion introduced the concept of generative AI, especially in light of tools like GPT-3 and ChatGPT. It explored the growing relevance and influence of these AI models in the digital age, including their role in handling large volumes of information to generate coherent and innovative content. The webinar also discussed the popularity of specific generative AI tools in global search trends and their integration into products by companies like Apple. This trend underscores the need for librarians to enhance their understanding of AI tools and guide the public in their responsible use. Topics included the costs, data sources, and privacy and intellectual property handling of foundational AI models. Additionally, the role of AI in transforming information retrieval, accuracy, and research methods was examined to better support academic integrity and information literacy education.
The session concluded with discussions on how AI tools can assist researchers in academic searches and analyses. While acknowledging the limited practical application of AI in libraries, the speakers noted that many institutions are establishing centers and working groups focused on AI ethics, education, and responsibility to advance the field.
Webinar 2 recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDbC1ac8IKo
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