EDITOR ‘‘
Rob Green Editor-in-Chief
rob.green@
cilip.org.uk
T
HIS edition of Information Professional is taking it’s cue from CILIP’s biennial Rewired Conference, with a focus on technology and innovation. And while Rewired is on hiatus this year, it will be back in 2026 and we wanted to take the opportunity to delve into some of the topics that drive Rewired and make it such a popular event.
It’s important to remember that technology and innovation is by its nature always changing, and librarians, information managers and knowledge managers are adept at integrating new tech into their services. It’s also worth remembering that adopting new technologies is not done in isolation, and a collaborative approach is often needed to ensure success. What strikes me is just how quickly technology can go from being “the latest thing” to being just another thing. If implemented well it can be seamless, and we barely give it a second thought.
Artificial Intelligence is the most obvious example in recent years – not too long ago serious commentators were predicting the end of the human race as we know it. And while that may still come to pass, today’s reality is more about large language model AI becoming increasingly invisible as it is baked into software, hardware and search. This raises multiple questions around access and use of built-in technology. Firstly, is there a danger of a widening digital divide? With those who are connected benefiting from additional functionality and ever-increasing levels of sophisticated AI-powered assistance, while those who are not connected miss the boat again, and drift helplessly in a sea of confusion. Secondly, there is the ethical impact of having technology forced upon us – how do we opt out, if we want to? Should we be informed every time a new AI is embedded into our phone or computer software, and is it even possible to take a step back if there is not full transparency over its use? Of course, there is a role here for information professionals – through training, raising awareness and ensuring they are part of the process of implementing tech in institutions so that there is an ethical voice in the room.
And there will be many more questions now and in the future, and many more reasons why the profession should be making sure it is leading change and providing expert guidance where it can.
This issue addresses some of the questions, and also shines a light on some of the opportunities that are developing. It’s always inspiring to learn how library, information and knowledge services are constantly innovating to help improve users’ experience, or to find new ways to engage communities.
Rewired 2025
Time and again we have seen technology be the catalyst for that, but it is also clear that technology without innovative people is never going to change the world.
So how do we move forward, make thinks better and ensure that the technology we adapt is inclusive and useful? I’d suggest it is a mix of strategy and experimentation. Plan for the future and know what you want to deliver, and then look at what tools can help you achieve that. Understand the implications – both positive and negative – of new technology on your service and the people using it.
Library and information services are also in a unique position to engage with users on skills and training, helping to reduce the digital divide and build confidence - not just in how they use the technology, but helping them engage with information and knowledge in new ways.
There are some opportunities on the horizon from CILIP in the coming months, and you can find out more about them in this issue – including the launch of the Google’s Super Searchers programme in the UK, delivered in partnership with CILIP. We have some other great features that drill down into how the sector can take advantage of new tech, and shape it to meet your needs – from AI and virtually reality to data preservation and ebook publishing.
Finally I want to speak of the everyday innovation that is happening up and down the country in services representing all sectors. While technology can play a role, true innovation comes from the people working in those services – we’d love to hear from you and share your projects with the sector, of if you have a success story worth shouting about, please get in touch.
It’s always inspiring to learn how library, information and knowledge services are constantly innovating to help improve users’ experience, or to find new ways to engage communities.
AI is increasingly present in everyday technology. INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 3
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