AI Impact on Information & Library Sciences

This industry, covering librarians, archivists, museum curators, and information scientists, focuses on organizing, managing, and retrieving information. Already transformed by digital databases and the internet, AI now offers tools to further enhance or automate information management tasks.

AI search and natural language query systems allow users to ask questions and get relevant answers from collections, potentially reducing the need for librarian help for basic queries. AI can perform automated cataloging and indexing, classifying materials using machine learning. OCR combined with AI makes scanned archives searchable. In archives/museums, AI helps identify/tag images or artifacts. These capabilities augment professionals or sometimes displace technicians doing manual cataloging. Virtual reference services (AI chatbots) handle common questions 24/7, offloading work from reference librarians. However, research support, information literacy teaching, and collection curation require human expertise. Librarians add value through source evaluation and ethical stewardship. BLS projects ~3% growth for librarians (2023-2033)¹, while library technicians/assistants may decline ~6%², suggesting higher-level roles remain/grow while routine support diminishes. Archivist/curator jobs are projected to grow but will use AI for large digital archives. AI transforms the field: professionals focus more on interpretation and patron interaction, leaving classification/search to AI. Equity concerns may temper AI adoption.

Key Occupations & Impact:

Librarians (Research/Reference/Directors) – Augmentation: AI handles some reference questions automatically (e.g., finding books), freeing librarians for complex research or consultations. In academic libraries, AI aids information literacy instruction (tutorials, FAQs), but librarians design curricula and offer personal guidance. For collection development, AI analyzes usage to suggest acquisitions/weeding. Roles are augmented: librarians become information strategists and educators. Fewer staff might be needed at reference desks if chatbots handle basic queries. Librarians take on new duties: digital content management, community programming, managing AI tools. Modest job growth suggests stability/slight increase, driven by retirements and evolving library roles¹. Skill shift towards tech proficiency is key.

Library Technicians and Assistants – Displacement: These staff handle shelving, check-in/out, catalog data entry, and inter-library loans. Self-checkout stations and automated sorting reduce circulation desk/sorting tasks. AI manages inter-library loan requests. Manual cataloging work decreases as digital metadata becomes common. BLS projects a ~6% job decline by 2033², indicating displacement. Fewer support staff are needed per library. Some technicians can transition to higher-skilled roles (digital collection management, outreach).

Archivists & Curators – Augmentation: Archivists use AI to improve accessibility of digitized collections (handwriting recognition, image tagging), speeding up processing. This helps manage backlogs rather than eliminating jobs. Archivists focus more on appraisal, preservation, and context. Museum curators use AI for collection management and virtual exhibits, but core jobs (selecting art, designing exhibits) remain human-centric. Employment outlook is positive (projected growth), so augmentation is the theme. Archives technicians doing data entry may see reduced need if AI does initial cataloging, but professionals verify AI’s work.

Information Scientists & Data Librarians – Expansion: These roles managing digital data, developing search algorithms, or specializing in information systems are expanding to incorporate AI development and ethics. They implement AI discovery systems or train staff. Demand grows as organizations need experts to manage data in the AI age. “Data librarians” help researchers manage datasets, using AI tools but meeting rising demand for organization. Increased accessible information paradoxically increases the need for human curation. Library science grads may find roles in non-traditional settings (tech, business) as AI-leveraging information managers.

Timeline & Outlook: Adoption may be slowed by budgets, but large/academic libraries are piloting AI. By 2025, many libraries will likely have AI-powered search and basic chatbot reference. By 2030, AI might handle most routine cataloging and reference tasks in well-funded institutions. This could lead to staffing shifts: fewer technicians, librarians focusing on instruction, specialized research, and community needs. Librarians might become crucial guides in navigating AI-generated information, teaching critical evaluation skills. The profession emphasizes access and ethics, so librarians will play a role in ensuring AI tools are used responsibly. While support roles shrink, the core librarian role evolves towards higher-level expertise and community engagement, potentially maintaining overall professional employment levels but requiring continuous adaptation to new technologies.

References

¹ Occupational Outlook Handbook: Librarians and Library Media Specialists | Bureau of Labor Statistics

² Occupational Outlook Handbook: Library Technicians and Assistants | Bureau of Labor Statistics