Elizabeth Hutchinson: Librarians Navigating the AI Tide with Foundational Skills

Guest blog: Elizabeth Hutchinson is a Chartered librarian and Fellow of CILIP. With nearly 20 years of experience in school libraries she is now a trainer and adviser and an advocate for FOSIL- Inquiry based Learning. She was awarded the BEM for services to libraries in 2020, is an international speaker, podcaster, blogger and author of a number of published articles.

It feels like just yesterday we were scratching the surface of AI in school libraries, and yet the tide continues to rush in with new tools and developments almost daily. It can be overwhelming, can't it? So I thought it would be a good time to pull together some of the ideas shared by my guests on recent podcasts, which you will find below. 

Perhaps our focus needs to shift. Instead of chasing every new AI shiny object, maybe the true power for school librarians lies in understanding the currents of AI itself, and more importantly, how it impacts the foundational skills our students need to navigate this evolving world.

As school librarians, our expertise has always been rooted in information literacy and fostering inquiry. We equip students with the skills to locate, evaluate, and ethically use information, no matter the format. In this AI age, that mission becomes even more critical. It’s less about knowing how to prompt ChatGPT for an answer, and more about understanding:

• How AI models work and their limitations: As Anthony explained with their research students, even a basic understanding of AI as a large language model can be mind-blowing and crucial for discerning its capabilities and potential biases. We don't need to be AI engineers, but grasping the fundamental nature of these systems helps us guide students in evaluating their output critically.
• The ethical considerations embedded in AI: From data privacy to the potential for dishonest use, AI brings a host of ethical dilemmas. Linda highlighted the importance of discussing appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI with students.  Our role is to help students develop an ethical compass needed to navigate these complexities, understanding when and how AI should be used responsibly.
• The enduring importance of critical thinking: As Jason eloquently put it, the assumption that AI is a silver bullet that will deliver fully personalised learning often falls flat. Our role as librarians is to champion critical thinking, ensuring students can question AI-generated information, identify potential inaccuracies, and form their own judgments. This echoes the point Ruth made about the dangers of accepting AI output without considering its lack of genuine understanding or empathy.
• The foundational necessity of strong literacy skills: Both Jason and I wholeheartedly agree, reading and writing skills are paramount in the age of AI. Without the ability to articulate their needs clearly through effective prompting, and to critically evaluate the often plausible-sounding output, students will be ill-equipped to harness AI effectively. As Jason noted, even using tools like Google search now involves AI-driven results, making the need for critical evaluation more pressing than ever.

So, how can school librarians step into this space, not as tool experts, but as champions of these crucial skills?

Become informed: As Linda wisely suggested, even if you feel nervous, don't bury your head in the sand.  Start slow, do some research, and understand the basic principles of AI. Conversations like the one we had with Linda and Anthony offer invaluable insights.

Connect and collaborate: Anthony highlighted the benefit of his partnership with Linda. Reach out to the technology integrators and teachers in your school. Share your expertise in information literacy and inquiry-based learning and offer to collaborate on lessons that focus on the skills needed to engage with AI thoughtfully.

Advocate for foundational skills: Make it clear that in this AI landscape, the skills you champion, information literacy, critical thinking, ethical evaluation, are more important than ever. As Jason urged, insist on your value in this space.

Focus on the process, not just the product: As Linda pointed out, teaching research has always been about the process. In the age of AI, this emphasis on how students learn, question, and synthesise information becomes even more vital.

Ultimately, our role as school librarians isn't to become masters of every AI tool, but to empower our students with the enduring skills they need to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world with confidence, critical awareness, and ethical responsibility. Let's continue this vital conversation and ensure the library remains at the heart of developing these essential competencies.

Resources

Hutchinson, E. A. (2023, 10 23). Empowering School librarians as Advocates for AI in Education. Engaging and Empowering School Libraries. 

Hutchinson, E. A. (2024, 3 23). AI With and Through the School Library. Engaging and Empowering School Libraries Podcast. 

Hutchinson, E. A. (2024, 10 8). Navigating AI in Education: A Balanced Perspective. Engaging and Empowering School Libraries.