Information Professionals Research Articles

The green libraries partnership and green libraries campaign

The Green Libraries Partnership, rebranded as the Green Libraries Campaign in 2023, was established in February 2022 in response to the UN Climate Change Conference and the climate emergency declarations by local authorities in England. The initiative, led by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and supported by key organisations, aims to foster a sustainable future for libraries and their communities. Central to its mission are four key aims: enhancing sustainability efforts within libraries, facilitating community engagement, aligning with local environmental initiatives, and positioning libraries as vital contributors to climate action. Over its first eighteen months, the Partnership conducted research, launched a Green Libraries Manifesto, established a grant fund, and hosted the inaugural Green Libraries Conference, reflecting its commitment to environmental action. The Green Libraries Campaign seeks to expand the programme’s reach across the UK library sector, encouraging collaboration and innovation to address climate change effectively. This article outlines the objectives of the Partnership and Campaign, evaluates achievements thus far, and discusses future aspirations, emphasising the importance of libraries in promoting climate awareness and action. As the initiative evolves, it aspires to ensure financial sustainability while fostering an inclusive network of libraries dedicated to environmental stewardship. The programme is also committed to learning from global library initiatives to support diverse communities in their sustainability efforts and the measures being taken across the international library sector to work towards achieving new zero across library buildings and services.

Antibiotics Knowledge and Prescription Patterns Among Dental Practitioners in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia: A Comparative E-Survey with a Focus on Medically Healthy and Compromised Patients

Background: The non-specific prescription of antibiotics, especially in dentistry, contributes to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance and highlights the need for education on the proper use and serious consequences of overprescribing these drugs. The main objective of this study is to assess and evaluate antibiotic knowledge and prescribing patterns in dental practice in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, focusing on understanding the rationale for prescribing, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and dentists’ awareness of antibiotic resistance. Methods: A total of 795 dentists participated in this electronic cross-sectional survey (Croatia N = 336, Bosnia and Herzegovina N = 176, and Serbia N = 283). The study utilized a self-structured questionnaire to collect data on various aspects of antibiotic use, including knowledge, prescribing practices, awareness of guidelines, and demographic and professional information about dentists. Data analysis included the Mann–Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc analysis, and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall score for the participants’ knowledge of antibiotics was 6.40 ± 1.40 out of a maximum of eight points, which indicates a generally good level of knowledge among dentists. Factors such as gender, specialty, and practice location significantly influenced the level of knowledge (p < 0.05). However, actual prescribing practice was a cause for concern. Only 66.1% of Croatian dentists felt they had received adequate training during their studies, and even fewer in Serbia (48.4%) and Bosnia (46.6%). It is noteworthy that 9.7% of dentists in Bosnia and Herzegovina prescribe antibiotics at the request of patients, while 22.3% of Croatian and 25.4% of Serbian dentists do so. Many dentists prescribe no or only one antibiotic per week. In addition, 50.9% of Croatian dentists reported adverse effects related to the use of antibiotics, while only 31.3% of Bosnian and 33.6% of Serbian dentists reported similar experiences. Conclusions: While the study results indicate that dentists in the region generally possess good knowledge of antibiotic use, there are significant discrepancies between this knowledge and actual prescribing practices. This highlights the need for enhanced educational programs and awareness initiatives focused on proper antibiotic guidelines to improve prescribing behaviors.

Silver Rainbows in The Information Society: Aging-Related Information Needs and Barriers of LGBT+ Older Adults

Abstract Society is experiencing a global shift in which older people now outnumber children five years and younger in many countries. This demographic aging has profound implications for library and information professionals, and yet research into the information needs of older adults – especially from diverse backgrounds – remains underdeveloped. This study seeks to help address this gap by studying the aging-related information needs and barriers of LGBT+ older adults. Interviews with 25 LGBT+ older adults in East Tennessee were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify five need (e.g., culturally competent care, LGBT+ specific services, social support, planning, and caregiver services) and seven barrier (e.g., stigma, discrimination, fewer personal resources, identity concealment, staff limitations, personality, ageism and elder abuse) themes. Beyond the aging focus, the study brings attention to the need for more research on intersectional populations in general and offers one of the first – perhaps only – studies of the information needs of LGBT+ older adults. It also presents a challenge to librarians and other information professionals in considering how to fight inequities for intersectional populations. Future research will consider how to meet needs and address the barriers LGBT+ older adults face.

ASSESSMENT OF NURSES' KNOWLEDGE REGARDING SAFE PATIENT LIFTING AND HANDLING IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS

Safe patient handling is a critical aspect of nursing care, aimed at preventing musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare providers and ensuring patient safety. In Pakistan, nurses face challenges such as limited access to handling equipment and inconsistent training, increasing their risk of injury and affecting patient care quality. Objective: This study assesses nurses' knowledge of safe patient lifting and handling and explores demographic and professional factors influencing this knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 nurses at the Department of Nursing, Superior University, Lahore, using a self-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised demographic and professional information, alongside a 15-item knowledge assessment on safe patient handling. Correct responses were scored, and the mean score was calculated to categorize knowledge as "good" or "poor." Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22.0, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for associations, with p≤0.05 considered significant. Results: Of the 200 nurses surveyed, 56.0% demonstrated good knowledge of safe patient handling, while 44.0% exhibited poor knowledge. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and gender, qualifications, work position, and department. Females and those with advanced qualifications had higher knowledge levels, while age and work experience showed no significant influence. Nurses who had received training reported higher knowledge, though the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.16). Conclusion: The findings indicate that a significant proportion of nurses lack adequate knowledge of safe patient handling, highlighting the need for enhanced training and resources. Targeted interventions considering demographic and professional variations can bridge knowledge gaps and promote safer handling practices, reducing occupational risks and improving patient care quality. Further studies are recommended to explore institutional policies and cultural factors that may impact the adoption of safe patient-handling practices in Pakistan.

The Emergence of New Disciplines and the Transformation of the Library and Information Science Profession

Abstract: Advances in information and communication technologies, digitalization, and the internet have changed the way people process, use, and share information. The transformation of the library profession and the emergence of new disciplines such as information science, knowledge management, and data science have continued to raise questions about professional identity, workplace, interdisciplinarity, and the types of skills and competencies needed for information professionals to compete in a highly technical and knowledge intensive environment. In this paper, we reflect on the historical development in the field and examine emerging trends and their impact on the transformation of the information and knowledge professions. Data analysis of course offerings from top-ranked information science schools (iSchools) has shown strong emphasis on the use of terms such as “information” and “information science.” The use of the term “data” has significantly increased in the past few years due to the addition of new specialization and degree programs in data curation and data science. The decrease in the use of the term “library,” even though the library is still the largest employer of information science students at all levels, could be attributed to the continued trend and desire by academics and practitioners to separate the profession from the place of work.

“Through the looking glass: envisioning new library technologies” AI is changing what photography means for libraries

Purpose The purpose of this column is to interrogate what it means for photographs as practical storehouses of data, how that interacts with society’s understanding of photography and what all of this may mean for the role of libraries as they relate to photographs. Design/methodology/approach A new generation of camera technology, integrated into phones, is being released. This column examines the implications for society at large, adding libraries in particular. Findings Once it is easy to do dramatic photo manipulation on the device that takes the photos, it will change how users think about photos. This has implications for how libraries plan information literacy, advocate for their users in the creation of standards and manage their collections. Originality/value This column will help information professionals think through the implications of this change for the future of the profession.

Enhancing healthcare operations: a systematic literature review onapproaches for hospital facility layout planning.

The appropriate physical layout of hospital services can help resolve management problems by streamlining the work of medical teams, improving the flow of patients between specific areas and the medical support environment. Nevertheless, the academic literature lacks structured research into how the physical layout of hospitals might be improved. Our study aims to fill this research gap, providing information for researchers and professionals who intend to guide the hospital facility layout planning (HFLP) from the steps and prescribed approaches found in the literature. This study analyzes the current literature status and concerning approaches that support HFLP and identifies their strengths and weaknesses. The literature was classified using the following criteria: approaches for layout generation, approaches for layout evaluation and healthcare facility layout outcomes. The hospital facility layout outcomes achieved for each phase served as a basis for identifying a list of strengths and weaknesses for the hospital layout facility generation and evaluation approaches. Readers can refer to this paper to identify the approach that best fits the desired goal and the HFLP step. This is a contribution to current studies into HFLP, and it provides guidelines for selecting the approach to be utilized based on the desired outcome. The paper describes how to conduct an HFLP and lists the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. The research may be used as a strategy for determining which tool is most suited based on the practitioner's target purpose.

Exploring Spectacle Usage Patterns: A Thematic Analysis of Refractive Disorder Patients in Medan, Indonesia

Objectives: This study explores the behavioral patterns of spectacle users with refractive errors in Medan City, Indonesia, and identifies the key factors influencing the decision-making process in choosing and using glasses, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by addressing vision health. Theoretical Framework: The research is guided by the Precede-Proceed model and the Theory of Planned Behavior, which provide a framework for understanding health-related behaviors, including spectacle usage and its impact on overall well-being. Method: A qualitative methodology was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 30 Medan City residents diagnosed with refractive errors. This was supplemented by focus group discussions and consultations with eyewear experts. Data were analyzed using a descriptive-analytical approach. Results and Discussion: Key themes influencing spectacle usage behavior were identified, including needs, comfort, fashion, quality, perception, economy, and knowledge. Among these, needs, comfort, and quality emerged as the most significant factors influencing users’ choices of glasses. The findings suggest that people with refractive errors should prioritize glasses that meet health standards to ensure comfort and improve visual impairments, aligning with the goals of SDG 3 to promote health and well-being. Research Implications: Health practitioners, particularly optometrists, play a critical role in educating the community about the importance of using high-quality eyewear and addressing common misconceptions related to spectacle use, thus contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Originality/Value: This study provides novel insights into the behavioral patterns of spectacle users in a specific cultural context, offering valuable information for health professionals and policymakers to improve vision care services in Medan City in support of SDG 3.

Patients’ trust in health information sources as an antecedent of novel healthcare technology usage

Abstract Background As professional health information sources, healthcare maintenance organizations (HMOs) need to convince patients of the necessity, efficiency, and reliability of technology-based services to increase and optimize their usage. It raises the question of whether patients’ trust in health information sources shapes the use of technology-based services and, in return, increases their willingness to use novel healthcare services in the future. Methods Data were collected through an online close-ended survey among 668 adult Israeli citizens insured with Israeli health insurance (85% of them Jewish, 52.5% female, and in their early 40s, with half holding an academic degree). The survey explored actual use and willingness to use innovative healthcare technologies and the trust respondents attributed to various sources of health information. Data were analyzed by SPSS 28. Results Participants generally use healthcare technology primarily to schedule appointments, search for medical information, and make health-related requests. To quite an extent, they are willing to be treated with innovative healthcare technologies (e.g., for radiological purposes and personally tailored medication). Preliminary results suggest that trust in the measured formal health information sources (i.e., formal health providers, HMO, HMO online services) was positively associated with technology-based healthcare services usage (r=.14 - .20, p<.001). A positive association also emerged between the current use of healthcare technology and the willingness to use innovative medical technologies in the future (r=.23, p<.001). Conclusions HMOs, as key players, have the power to maximize the usage of advanced health services by establishing trusting relationships with their patients. This will increase the usage of healthcare technology-based services and generate positive patient experiences, which will result in the willingness to experience novel types of health services in the future. Key messages • Encouraging patients to use technology-based health services will maximize the potential inherent in the use of innovative health services and treatments in the future. • Nurturing trusting relationships with patients at any level in the health system will increase their compliance with health providers’ recommendations to use advanced health services.

Ludic reading is 20 minutes a day? – Adding a socio-material perspective to ludic reading

This article presents unexpected findings about children’s experiences with ludic reading, discovered through a collaborative project involving schools, libraries, and Pedagogical Learning Centres (PLC). The findings reveal that while children’s ludic reading experiences often reflect a goal-oriented, functional approach typical of educational contexts, they also seek social, playful, and immersive reading environments. This article explores how a socio-material approach can illuminate these findings, which existing literature does not fully address. The research question guiding this study is: How can a socio-material perspective on ludic reading inform professionals in rethinking initiatives to enhance children’s ludic reading? The methodology involves analysing these unexpected findings, termed ‘stumble data,’ derived from empirical material based on child-centred methods. The results suggest that a socio-material perspective can bridge the contexts in which ludic reading occurs. The article concludes that this perspective provides new explanatory frameworks and practice opportunities by integrating social and material elements that have not been sufficiently explored in the literature.

Relative Bioavailability Studies With Mitapivat: Formulation and Food Effect Assessments in Healthy Subjects.

Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is a rare, hereditary, hemolytic anemia caused by mutations in the PKLR gene encoding the PK enzyme. Mitapivat (previously designated AG-348) is a first-in-class, oral, allosteric activator of PK. We report results from 5 Phase 1 trials in healthy adults to characterize and compare mitapivat pharmacokinetics across different formulations and analyze food effects on mitapivat bioavailability (Studies 1-5). Pharmacokinetic assessments were peak exposure, total exposure, time to maximum plasma concentration of mitapivat, and relative bioavailability (where appropriate). Plasma total exposure of mitapivat was similar in the fasted and fed (high-fat meal or different soft foods) states after capsule, tablet, and pediatric granule formulations. Although mitapivat administration with food reduced the rate of mitapivat absorption (delay in time to maximum plasma concentration; reduction in maximum concentration) versus dosing under fasted conditions, this was not considered clinically relevant, given the lack of effect on total mitapivat exposure. Consequently, the administration instructions for mitapivat relating to food state that "patients may take mitapivat tablets with or without food." These findings will continue to inform clinical studies and development of mitapivat in adult and pediatric patients with hemolytic anemias and may help inform healthcare professionals on mitapivat dosing/administration recommendations in clinical practice.

GeoLLM: A specialized large language model framework for intelligent geotechnical design

Large language models (LLMs) have achieved remarkable success in various industrial and research fields, enhancing work efficiency by assisting machines in comprehending human language. In geotechnical design where extensive repetitive cross-checking of design codes consumes considerable time and labour, the utilization of LLMs to enhance design procedures has not been explored before. The challenge is to ensure that LLMs accurately comprehend professional geotechnical information from text and execute mathematical calculations correctly. This study makes the first attempt at developing a specialized LLM framework, GeoLLM, integrated with an innovative prompt engineering strategy to extract professional information from text and enable accurate mathematical calculations. GeoLLM is applied to the design of single piles involving bearing capacity and settlement calculations. The results reveal that GeoLLM exhibits excellent performance in single pile cases. Additionally, compared with LLMs of varying architectures and sizes, commercial LLMs with over 100 billion parameters presented outstanding comprehensive capacities, while those with 1.8 ∼ 72 billion parameters degraded relatively. These findings indicate the promising capacity of GeoLLM to address professional tasks in geotechnical design.

Hypertension and its determinants in Abu Dhabi population: a retrospective cohort study.

Preventing high blood pressure and its complications requires identifying its risk factors. This study assessed predictors of hypertension and its associated complications among Emirati adults in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This retrospective cohort study was conducted by retrieving data from the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) of Emiratis who participated in a national cardiovascular screening program between 2011 and 2013. The study cohort comprised 8456 Emirati adults (18 years and above): 4095 women and 4361 men. The average follow-up period was 9.2 years, with a maximum of 12 years. The age-adjusted hypertension prevalence in Abu Dhabi increased from 24.5% at baseline to 35.2% in 2023. At baseline, 61.8% of hypertensive patients had controlled blood pressure, which increased to 74.3% in 2023. Among those free from hypertension at screening, 835 patients (12.3%) were newly diagnosed during the follow-up period. Using Cox regression, the hypertension prediction model developed included age [P value <0.001, hazard ratio 1.051, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.046-1.056], SBP (P value <0.001, hazard ratio 1.017, 95% CI 1.011-1.023) and DBP (P value <0.001, hazard ratio 1.029, 95% CI 1.02-1.037), glycated hemoglobin (P < 0.001, hazard ratio 1.132, 95% CI 1.077-1.191), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P value <0.001, hazard ratio 0.662, 95% CI 0.526-0.832). This prediction model had a c-statistic of 0.803 (95% CI 0.786-0.819). Using survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier), higher blood pressure was associated with more cardiovascular events and mortality during follow-up. Targeting population-specific predictors of hypertension can prevent its progression and inform healthcare professionals and policymakers to decrease the incidence, complications, and mortality related to hypertension.

Designing Cyberinfrastructure for Knowledge Sharing

FishSounds is an online portal that provides open and user-friendly access to academic scholarship regarding the sounds made by fish species. It is the result of an international collaboration between students, scientists, and information professionals, and has become a resource used around the globe for research, education, journalism, and general interest. This website is just the first instance of a new approach to sharing knowledge and an emerging cyberinfrastructure for open scholarship. The codebase behind FishSounds was designed to be reusable with other datasets, and in the coming years additional portals will connect users to knowledge from varied subject areas across academic disciplines. This discussion examines the development and reception of FishSounds as a case study for the creation of these websites, called Searchable Online Catalogues of Knowledge, or SOCKs. As it is publicly released, the SOCK platform will continue to evolve and develop new strategies based on the lessons learned from different audiences accessing FishSounds.

Enhancing service quality in the insurance industry with AI-powered humanoid chatbots

PurposeThis study aims to explore the potential of artificial intelligence with AI-powered humanoid Chatbots (AIPHC) as transformative tools to improve customer service quality in the insurance sector. The usability and efficiency of integrating advanced AI chatbots that can replicate human-like interactions in insurance services will be examined by taking into consideration customers’ technological readiness and chatbots’ anthropomorphism.Design/methodology/approachThis empirical study analysed 688 customer responses collected through purposive sampling using structural equation modelling. With the help of SmartPLS 4.0, the study determines whether anthropomorphism, that is AIPHC system-specific and customer personality-specific dimensions, can influence the acceptance of AIPHC in the insurance sector.FindingsThe results show that the chatbot’s anthropomorphism positively influenced customers’ optimism and innovativeness but negatively impacted discomfort and security. Further optimism and innovativeness favourably impact AIPHC adoption. Insecurity had a significant negative impact, while discomfort was insignificant for AIPHC adoption.Research limitations/implicationsThe study determines how people will react to AI-powered information systems. The results could help us better understand how the technological readiness of customers can be used in emphasizing the significance of system-specific theories like anthropomorphism in sectors like insurance, where customer interactions and delivery of quality services are important.Practical implicationsThe results highlight chatbots’ potential to raise the quality of service, simplify processes and enhance customers’ overall experiences in the insurance sector. This study contributes to the continuing discussion on using AI technologies in customer service by considering the interplay between technology readiness and anthropomorphism. It also provides insightful information for insurance professionals and technology developers.Social implicationsAnthropomorphic humanoid chatbots can increase the availability, affordability and accessibility of essential services. They have the potential to increase users’ competence, autonomy and—possibly counterintuitively social relatedness.Originality/valueThis empirical research explores the link between anthropomorphism and technology readiness to enhance service quality provided by AI powered chatbots in the insurance sector.

Scoping review of literature and systematic search of web-based resources: parasport classification instructions, experiences, and outcomes

ABSTRACT While classification is essential to parasport, members of the Paralympic Movement commonly report having limited access to information on the topic. Despite increased academic interest in recent years, the total body of research on classification has not yet been mapped or documented. To assess the breadth of literature on classification, we conducted a scoping review following the protocol set forth by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). Additionally, we completed a six-step systematic online search as outlined by Stansfield et al. (2016) to document the type and quality of information on classification available outside bibliographic databases. The most frequent topics discussed in the literature were (a) coach/classifier roles during classification, (b) athletes’ perspectives on classification, and (c) the influence of classification on athletes’ participation (e.g. on social dynamics, athlete development). Webpages reviewed were of relatively low quality, with <50% reporting authorship, references, or a statement of disclosure. Webpages reviewed were primarily produced by national/international sport organizations and provided more professional (i.e. technical) information on classification than inter-/intrapersonal information or instruction. This review provides insight into the type and quality of classification knowledge available to parasport participants and may inform future research and practice related to parasport at all levels.

The Quality and Cultural Safety of Online Osteoarthritis Information for Affected Persons and Health Care Professionals: Content Analysis.

Osteoarthritis is more prevalent and severe among women than among men, but women are less likely to access early diagnosis and first-line management, particularly racialized immigrant women. Previous research advocated for greater access to culturally safe osteoarthritis information for both diverse women and health care professionals. The internet can reduce disparities by facilitating access to health information, but online materials can vary in quality. This study aimed to assess the quality and cultural safety of online osteoarthritis materials for persons affected by osteoarthritis and health care professionals. Content analysis was used to describe publicly available materials on osteoarthritis first-line management developed by Canadian organizations for affected persons or health care professionals. Searching, screening, and data extraction were performed in triplicate. We identified materials by searching Google, MEDLINE, and references of osteoarthritis-relevant guidelines and policies, and consulting our research team and collaborators. We assessed quality using DISCERN (University of Oxford) and a compiled framework for affected persons and health care professionals. We compiled frameworks to assess cultural safety. We derived an overall score, categorized as low (<50%), moderate (50%-69%), or high (≥70%+) for criteria met. After screening 176 items and eliminating 129, we included 47 osteoarthritis materials published between 2013 and 2023. Of those, 43 were for persons with osteoarthritis, most were developed by charities (n=31, 72.1%), based on expert advice (n=16, 55.2%), and in the format of booklets (n=15, 34.9%) or text on web pages (n=10, 23.3%). Of those, 23.3% (10/43) low, 46.5% (20/43) moderate, and 30.2% (13/43) high scored quality; and 25.6% (11/43), 48.8% (21/43), and 25.6% (11/43) were rated low, moderate, and high cultural safety, respectively. Of the 47 included osteoarthritis materials, 4 were for health care professionals. They were developed by a consortium (2/4, 50%), a charity (1/4, 25%), and a professional society (1/4, 25%), and largely based on expert advice (3/4, 75%). The format included infographics (3/4, 75%) and text on web pages (1/4, 25%). Of those, 25% (1/4), 25% (1/4), and 50% (2/4) were rated low, moderate, and high quality, respectively; and all were rated low for cultural safety. Quality and cultural safety did not appear to be associated with the characteristics of osteoarthritis materials (eg, type of developer, development method, and format). Overall, included osteoarthritis materials for persons with osteoarthritis and health care professionals were of low to moderate quality and cultural safety. These findings reveal the need for further efforts to improve existing or develop new osteoarthritis materials for both affected persons, including ethnoculturally diverse immigrant women, and health care professionals. Further research is needed to assess the quality and cultural safety of osteoarthritis materials developed by organizations outside of Canada and to establish a framework or instrument to assess cultural safety in the osteoarthritis context.

The Tech Core Curriculum: Teaching Technology as a Core Competence

This panel addresses the ALISE Call for Proposals’ “questions of mutual interest” about integrating professional competences into pedagogy by providing interpretations and strategies for including information and communications technology (ICT) core competences into teaching and curriculum at ALA-accredited programs of Library and Information Science. Through an informal roundtable discussion followed by semi-structured and open audience solicitation, four faculty members who teach courses and modules in information technology from two ALA-accredited programs that have recently undergone curricular audits will provide an overview of technology core competences from the American Library Association and the Society of American Archivists (SAA). Discussions will include… Interpretations and interpretive problems with the ALA technology competence and sub-competences. A comparative interpretation of the Graduate Program in Archival Studies (GPAS) Curriculum’s technology competence from the SAA. How instructors have adapted these competences in courses and curriculum. How instructors have addressed student skill gaps and technophobia. A survey of which ALA-accredited programs do and do not have a technology core requirement as well as the types of courses that count for such a requirement. The pros and cons of a technology core requirement for ALA-accredited programs. Strategies for intentionally embedding technology competences in other required courses. A technology competence for programs that prepare information professionals of the twenty-first century appears at once essential and assumed. Previous studies show that graduate programs in library and information science have cut ICT core requirements in favor of embedding technology instruction in other requirements that principally satisfy other competences. Partly this is a solution to economizing core requirements in order to facilitate flexible course paths for students, and partly this is a solution to the vagaries set forth in standardized core competences, which remain media-agnostic.That is, the principles set forth in ALA core competences do not specify the types of technologies to address in any one competence, including the technology competence, making ‘technology’ an overly fungible term that can be applied to almost any instruction or practice. While theoretically media-agnosticism creates continuity with past and present analog means of information practices, all means of information practices are, of course, mediated. The majority of programs seem to make the assumption that ICT competence necessarily implies digital mediation. For larger, digitally focused programs in the iSchool movement, the assumption that ICT competence means digital competence further means that demonstrations and assessments of that competence are already embedded in the majority of courses. Compounding the assumption that digital practice satisfies ICT competence is an assumption of student digital nativity. While research has dispelled the myth of the ‘digital native,’ such a mythos persists in programs’ imaginations of their own graduate students who must de facto navigate sophisticated digital environments in order to participate in graduate programs of the twenty-first century knowledge economy. This roundtable aims at the outset to lay bare the tenuous relationship between standardized competences’ media-agnosticism and curricular assumptions of media-embeddedness. Then, participants will address strategies for curricular demonstrations of technology competence that are intentional, media-situated, student-focused, and strategic. Intentional: Rather than assume technological competence from demonstrated digital, information practices, instructors and programs should produce Stated Learning Objectives (SLO) and aligned assessment mechanisms that ask students to do more than demonstrate technology use. Media-situated: Students should understand that barriers to information access vary not just according to social vectors like race, gender, and income, but also by medium of access, which requires on the part of the student or information professional a media-comparative approach to ICT. Student-focused: Instructors should not assume student digital nativity or proficiency and should instead meet students where they are within a multi-dimensional matrix of technological practices and attitudes. In addition to being good pedagogy, a student-relational approach to technology also models exemplary user services. Strategic: Moving from the myth of the ‘tech savvy librarian’ of the early 00s, which largely relied on assumptions of generational digital nativity, instructors and programs should refocus on a model of the ‘tech strategic librarian,’ one who is not necessarily a coding-multilingual early adopter, but one who understands the stakes and intersections of technocapitalism, information capitalism, library resources, and community users. The highly interactive 90-minute roundtable will begin with a ten-minute introduction from the chair followed by three five-minute, informal statements from the panelists touching on the above topics. Semi-structured discussion from the panel will proceed for the second 25-minute block followed by open-room discussion and audience solicitation for fifteen minutes. This will leave a final 25-minute block for guided audience small-group discussion and reporting mediated by panelists. In small groups, audience members will be asked to generate Stated Learning Outcomes and assessment mechanisms based on the ALA’s technology sub-competences.

Are we ready? Generative AI and the LIS curriculum

The US Department of Education’s 2023 report highlights the importance of AI literacy for educators and other stakeholders (Cardona, Rodriguez &amp; Ishmael, 2023). Analyzing this report, Lo (2023) notes that “for librarians, AI literacy could involve understanding how AI tools work, how they can be used to enhance library services, and how to navigate potential ethical issues related to AI” (p. 2). Southworth et al (2023) observe that technical aspects of AI are covered in the traditional STEM curricula but are largely absent outside of it. While there are efforts currently to provide education and training opportunities for librarians in addressing AI in their work, as well as literature that talks about how AI will impact various aspects of work in libraries, few have touched on the need for curriculum development to effectively address such disruptive technologies by identifying the competencies or threshold concepts that will be affected by them. The ubiquitous impact of AI has included applications in medical research as well as law, design, economics, and humanities, to name just a few. Agile practice and improved dissemination of best practices are called for, moving forward. How should LIS curriculum address AI and related issues to prepare future librarians and information professionals? This poster covers an in-progress scoping review of literature and a content analysis of the publicly available course descriptions of ALA accredited LIS programs, as well as their current mission statements and objectives to provide a snapshot of extant integration of this new and challenging technology.

Developing Graduate Curriculum for Digital Language Archive Stewardship

Our interdisciplinary team including information and language scholars and educators and practicing information professionals at University of North Texas (UNT) and Indiana University (IU) is developing an evidence-based practice-oriented online curriculum to train library, archives, and museums (LAM) professionals in the archiving, curation, and ethical dissemination of resources that provide the means to revitalize community memory and language. During this 2-year project, over 30 LAM students will complete the project-developed UNT graduate course INFO 5385 Community Language Archiving and Curation for Information Professionals, and additional estimated 100 students at UNT and IU will complete individual project-developed learning modules integrated into other courses. Development of the learning materials is informed by digital language archive practices, research, and existing training materials for archive depositors. Resulting open-access adaptable learning resources are expected to be widely used by academic programs and educators for training LAM students and by participatory archives as continuing education resources.