The Rise of AI: Implications and Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Academic Libraries

Abstract

discussion of other related topics, such as fact checking and the rapid spread of misinformation. A greater challenge to the spread of misinformation lies in the scientific arena. There one finds pseudoscience, such as unproven claims about a treatment, as well as less trust in traditional sources. The book’s last group of essays show how to discern unproven claims in several ways: the use of ethical framing, understanding of the scientific method, and careful scrutiny of sources. The book’s essays show the larger impact that “fake news” has. Fake news can affect economic and policy decisions, as well as political events. The critical thinking skills of analysis, reflection, and synthesis can help students and other information seekers identify reliable and reputable sources. The book’s editors strongly encourage readers to consult the ACRL framework for information literacy sandbox and Sarah E. Morris’s book Critical thinking about sources cookbook for more detailed activities that relate to fake news. The work of the book’s various librarian contributors ends at 2019, so it may be time for a revised edition. A revised edition could include librarians from other types of libraries and show more collaboration with faculty. This book, in spite of its price, adds some valuable techniques and theory to a librarian’s instruction toolbox, particularly for academic librarians.