1 Artificial Intelligence and Libraries: An Introduction
Edmund Balnaves · 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the use of computer systems to achieve tasks that would normally require human interpretive intervention. AI is integrally associated with Big Data and the Internet of Things, with large data stores of text, images, and videos on an extensive and wide-ranging scale providing the learning base. While AI does not purport to replace human cognition, the use of AI is becoming pervasive throughout society. It is present in smart phones to understand speech, help navigation and improve usability of apps. It is used in internet searching, surveillance systems, social credit systems, classification, and annotation systems. AI is used in advertising to match customers to products, and in social media to ensure content is exposed in a tightly directed way. AI is increasingly available or already present in the systems used by libraries. This chapter provides the background and context for this book New Horizons in Artificial Intelligence in Libraries which focuses on the current uses of AI in libraries and explores ways to prepare for and optimise the use of AI in libraries.