Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML) in Libraries
In this “digital first” and “library-as-a-platform” era, libraries of any type or size across the globe have one element in common—their technocentric nature. The focal points of library technology change dynamically almost every three years. In today’s hyper-connected digital environment, libraries are increasingly realizing that the combinations of data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) have all the potential to influence fundamentally the workflows in libraries. For example, the applications of AI/ML in organizing and providing need-based access to digitized collections are ample in terms of value, volume, and variety and are prospective. Developments in AI/ML will have significant impact in knowledge organization, making knowledge discovery and delivery process more intuitive, intelligent, and personalized to users. User’s engagement with library being cognitive in nature, no functional and service areas in libraries will be left untouched by AI/ML applications in Libraries. But unlike other technologies in the library sphere, AI/ML technologies, as predicted by domain experts, involve an existential threat and, therefore, need to be adapted with great care to ensure that we don’t summon the demon.
The Library Technology Conclave (LTC2023), to be held during 15-17th February 2023, at the Ashoka University, Delhi-NCR, Sonipat, aims to deliberate in depth on the aspects and prospects of AI/ML applications in libraries through a series of keynote addresses by global domain experts, panel discussions on relevant topics, two hands-on workshops on core topics, and unique, newly added experiential sessions.