What is AI Literacy?
The term "AI literacy" (Artificial Intelligence) describes the capacity to comprehend, apply, and engage with AI systems and technology. Many librarians assist patrons with an understanding of what AI is, an overview of how it functions, and how it applys to various forms of literacy.
"As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prominent in everyday conversations, it is critical for library users to develop basic knowledge and understanding of those technologies. In academic libraries, subject liaisons play a central role in the teaching of concepts like information literacy, open access, and research data management, in addition to their subject responsibilities." (Wheatley & Hervieux, 2022)
AI is now being integrated more often into a wide range of applications. Therefore, it benefits library patrons to have an understanding of AI. It has become essential for everyone who wants to stay current, not only tech experts. Making wise choices about the usage of AI technologies can be aided by AI literacy. Librarians are known for their agility and eagerness to learn, which makes them ideal candidates for embracing and imparting AI literacy.
The need for people to be AI literate has never been greater as society's interest and involvement in AI technologies continue to expand. The work that libraries have been doing is complementing the support of artificial intelligence, as most applications involved will include AI technologies and AI Literacy. Patrons need to become more informed consumers of AI technology, and librarians are known for their agility and eagerness to learn, which makes them ideal candidates for embracing and imparting AI literacy.
Sidenote: AI literacy is an important subset of digital literacy used for navigating the digital world. Patrons with AI literacy can understand online information, recognize algorithmic biases, and make informed decisions about the credibility and reliability of resources. Digital literacy is an important skill that requires ongoing learning and constant skill changes due to the development of technology.
Separating Artificial Intelligence from Science Fiction: Creating an Academic Library Workshop Series on AI Literacy by Amanda Wheatley and Sandy Hervieux
Excerpt (chapter 5) - Separating Artificial Intelligence from Science Fiction: Creating an Academic Library Workshop Series on AI Literacy
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ROBOT Test AI Literacy (Criteria to use when evaluating AI sources)
In his YouTube video, Mike Kintz discusses the lessons from Spencer Johnson's Who Moved My Cheese? and their relevance to adapting to change. He emphasizes the importance of embracing change and overcoming challenges, highlighting how the story transformed perspectives and helped individuals navigate transitions.
"Who Moved My Cheese?" is a charming
little story, and it’s all about change—how we handle it and why we sometimes resist it.
In the story, we follow two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two tiny people, Hem and Haw, all of whom live in a maze, spending their days searching for “cheese.” Now, this cheese isn’t just a snack. It represents anything meaningful in life—like success, security, or happiness.
When they finally find a big pile of cheese, they settle in and get comfortable, as we often do. But one day, the cheese vanishes! The mice, being relatively simple and adaptable, don’t waste a moment.
They immediately start looking for a new source of cheese. But the little people—well, Hem digs in his heels, and Haw hesitates too, at least for a while. Haw eventually gathers the courage to leave the empty spot and finds new cheese, learning that change isn’t as scary as he thought. Hem, on the other hand, remains stuck, unwilling to accept the new reality.
So, how does this quaint little story apply to AI?
AI is a significant change—a big pile of new “cheese,” if you will. It’s shifting the ways we study, work, and even communicate. We’re in a world where technology is moving faster than ever, and AI is at the heart of it. Like in the story, we can respond in different ways. Some folks, like Sniff and Scurry, are already off exploring AI’s possibilities.
Then there are those of us who might feel a bit like Hem. AI can seem intimidating, maybe even unnecessary. But “Who Moved My Cheese?” teaches us that change is inevitable, and if we’re too set in our ways, we might miss out on the new “cheese”—like new skills, improved productivity, and exciting research possibilities.
The lesson here? Maybe be a bit more like Haw—take small steps. Explore how these tools can make life easier and open up possibilities. Adapting doesn’t mean abandoning what you know; it means expanding it. And remember, as librarians, students, or faculty, we have a responsibility to keep up with the changes around us, ensuring our skills stay fresh and useful.
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