In 2021 CILIP and Health Education England commissioned Dr Andrew Cox to research how data, AI, machine learning, robotics and automation would impact on information profes- sionals and the organisations they work in. The Research Report, which is avail- able at
www.cilip.org.uk/ResearchReport, is a comprehensive resource that looks at the many ways technology is driving the profession and leading to new opportu- nities. It looks to answer three funda- mental questions about these emerging technologies:
1. How do we ensure that today’s work- force has the skills and understanding they need in order to enable them to support their users in participating safely and successfully in a modern world that is increasingly powered by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, process automation and robotics?
2. What are the ethical implications of our approach to these technologies – how can we deploy the existing ethical framework for librarians and ensure that it aligns to emerging work on Data Ethics and responsible technology?
3. What should the skillset of the future workforce look like and what is the curriculum by which we will ensure that the next generation of information professionals have the skills to keep pace with future developments in tech- nology?
The report and the answers to these questions informed CILIP’s five-year strategy, and ensured that Digital Transformation is at the heart We Are CILIP. Following the report’s release, CILIP Chief Executive Nick Poole delivered a response outlining CILIP’s Digital Transformation priorities. He said: “The Research Report itself presents a compelling and coherent nar- rative, situating AI, machine learning, process automation and robotics in the wider context of social and industrial change. As Dr Cox points out, they are
September 2022
as much ‘ideas’ as technologies in their own right, with far-reaching implications for our profession.”
Key findings from the report include
l These technologies are not coming, they’re already here
l This transformation is impacting at every point in the supply-chain of knowl- edge and information
l There is a huge opportunity for the profession to position itself at the heart of this process, not as technologists but rather as trusted information professionals
l As ethical information professionals, there is a vital role to play in democratis- ing AI, machine learning, automation and robotics, ensuring that they are used to maximise equity, equality, representation and inclusion rather than deepening the digital divide;
l These technologies are impacting first on high-value, high-volume tasks, but are quickly developing to address lower-value, more repetitive tasks.
And finally:
l There is an urgent need to expand on the existing digital skills and confidence of the knowledge, information and library workforce to ensure that individual prac- titioners are well-placed to take on these new roles.
CILIP has commissioned new learning modules to help members become digital leaders within their organisations – sup- porting and guiding users and commu- nities. Elsewhere, CILIP’s Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (
www.cilip.org.uk/ PKSB) covers a range of digital and tech-
nological skills that help members develop their understanding and knowledge. Those modules will be available in Autumn – sign up for the CILIP newsletter at
www.cilip.org. uk/CILIPmailinglistsignup to stay up to date with all products and services from CILIP. Nick adds: “When in the early 1990’s science fiction author William Gibson said ‘the future is already here – it’s just not evenly distributed yet’, he was talking about the then-emerging technology of virtual reality.
“Yet Gibson’s quote could be applied equally to the findings of this comprehen- sive new research, led on behalf of CILIP by Dr Andrew M. Cox of the Information School at the University of Sheffield. “These technologies – AI, machine learning, process automation and robotics – as well as the ideas, concepts and prac- tices that accompany them are not the stuff of some far-distant future. They are with us already, impacting our daily lives in countless ways.
“The second half of Gibson’s quote neatly defines the opportunity ahead for information professionals. Our role is to ensure that the societal, economic and industrial benefits of these technol- ogies are evenly distributed. That they are accessible and beneficial for every member of society, every community and every organisation.” The We Are CILIP strategy looks to capi- talise on these new opportunities, opening new areas for CILIP members to develop skills and expertise, and become digital leaders in their organisations. Find out more about We are CILIP and the ways in which it is shaping the profes- sion at
www.cilip.org.uk/WeAreCILIP. IP
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