Generative Artificial Intelligence, Reference, & Instruction Discussion Group (GAIR&I)

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how libraries manage information and serve patrons, but it also raises important ethical and practical concerns. As librarians, using AI responsibly means ensuring transparency, protecting user privacy, and mitigating bias in automated systems. By approaching AI thoughtfully, we can harness its benefits while upholding the core values of equity and trust in library services.

Questions

Q1: How are you addressing information literacy and AI with your library patrons?

 

Q2: Is there a correlation between the rise of fascism and the rise of AI?  Is there a correlation between the rise of incivility in politics and the rise of AI?

 

Q3: What are the ethical responsibilities of library staff and patrons when using AI-generated content for research, teaching, or creative projects?

Initial Thoughts:

As AI tools become more integrated into research and information services, librarians face both exciting opportunities and serious responsibilities. While AI can streamline reference work, enhance discovery, and support accessibility, it also introduces concerns around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the integrity of scholarly communication. Our role as librarians is to critically evaluate these technologies, advocate for transparency, and ensure that their use aligns with the core values of intellectual freedom and equitable access. Responsible AI isn't just a technical issue-it's an ethical commitment to our users and the academic community.

Is AI too problematic?​

• Ethical, legal, privacy, environmental, & bias​

• Hallucinations, deepfakes, plagiarism, & copyright​

• Proliferation of AI technology integrations: No way to opt out​

• "Real vs fake" can be indistinguishable​

• Lack of regulations, transparency, & stopgaps​

• Is there a correlation between the rise of fascism and the rise of AI?​

• Misinformation & disinformation​

• Grounded vs. ungrounded AI

Is genAI just a fad? ​

• Need buy-in and ownership from colleagues ​

• Job security concerns​

• Is AI really a professional or academic tool? ​

• Lacks credibility ​

• Overconfidence

• AI doesn't understand the authority of sources​

Will AI contribute to the growing digital divide?​

• Many free services are transforming into fee-based​

• Free versions are not going to be as reliable as paid ones

References 

Here are a few resources for inspiration:

• "AI: The New Aesthetics of Fascism"

  • https://newsocialist.org.uk/transmissions/ai-the-new-aesthetics-of-fascism/

  • "The right loves AI-generated imagery. In a short time, a full half of the political spectrum has collectively fallen for the glossy, disturbing visuals created by generative AI. Despite its proponents having little love, or talent, for any form of artistic expression, right wing visual culture once ranged from memorable election-year posters to 'terrorwave'. Today it is slop, almost totally."

• Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights: Making Automated Systems Work For The American People

  • https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/ostp/ai-bill-of-rights/

  • "Among the great challenges posed to democracy today is the use of technology, data, and automated systems in ways that threaten the rights of the American public. Too often, these tools are used to limit our opportunities and prevent our access to critical resources or services."

• Keeping Up With… AI Ethics

  • https://www.ala.org/acrl/publications/keeping_up_with/ai_ethics

  • "This article introduces some of the fundamental issues in AI Ethics that academic librarians must understand as requisite to help inform their individual and institutional decisions on adopting or using AI, instruction, and policy to avoid causing ethical harm given AI's disruptive nature as an unprecedented technology."

ALA Connect FAQ

•  AIRUS ALA Connect FAQs.pdf: Find tips on using ALA Connect

AIRUS Resources

• AIRUS ALA Connect Community: AIRUS ALA Connect discussion board

• AIRUS FAQs: Find out more about AIRUS and our interest group

• AIRUS Zotero Group & Resources: Join the AIRUS Zotero group! Read and add articles on AI

• AI Tools, Resources, Projects, & Scholarship Spreadsheet: Find recommended AI tools, research, projects, and online resources

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Melissa Del Castillo
Virtual Learning & Outreach Librarian
medelcas@fiu.edu
Florida International University
She/Her/Hers
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