Looking Ahead: Incorporating AI in MLIS Competencies
Souvick Ghosh, Denise McCoy · School of Information Student Research Journal · 2024
Libraries have long been essential for democratizing knowledge and providing reliable information, extending their services to meet diverse community needs, including educational programs and internet access (Pawley, 2022; Freudenberger, 2022). Librarians, as custodians of information and culture, possess core competencies in information organization, digital literacy, and research skills. The San José State University (SJSU) School of Information (iSchool) aims to educate professionals who significantly impact global communities through high-quality education, research, and technology innovation. This article examines the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program at SJSU iSchool, focusing on the evolution of its 14 core competencies to incorporate advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). As AI transforms educational curricula and administrative processes, updates are needed to include digital literacy, AI ethics, and data privacy, ensuring MLIS graduates are equipped to lead in an AI-integrated future. By aligning these competencies with the iSchool’s strategic vision, the article provides suggestions for integrating AI into existing competencies and identifies potential new competencies to address emerging workplace needs effectively.