The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and CNI have an ongoing collaboration around artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies and applications. For more information about the initiatives, visit ARL’s artificial intelligence page.
Futurescape Libraries Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scenarios Toolkit
ARL/CNI’s Futurescape Libraries AI Toolkit is now available. The toolkit is designed to help libraries explore strategies and activities to prepare for various possible AI-influenced futures, integrating the ARL/CNI AI Scenarios published in spring 2024 and strategic priorities developed at a convening in December 2024. Keith Webster, Carnegie Mellon University dean of libraries and a CNI Steering Committee member, developed the toolkit, and served as a member of the original ARL/CNI Task Force for AI and Machine Learning Futures.
To access the toolkit and learn more, read ARL’s blog post at: https://www.arl.org/news/arl-cni-futurescape-libraries-ai-toolkit-can-help-you-thrive-in-the-ai-landscape/
ARL/CNI AI Researcher in Residence
Natalie Meyers, professor of the practice in the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society at the University of Notre Dame, is the ARL/CNI researcher in residence, effective February 3, 2025. Focusing on the strategic implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for research libraries, she will serve in this role on a half-time basis for one year.
In this role, Natalie will further research, advocacy, and tracking of machine learning (ML), deep learning, AI, and generative AI. Reporting to the ARL senior director for Scholarship, Policy, and Engagement Strategy and working closely with CNI leadership, she will play a key role in the ongoing collaboration between CNI and ARL around AI/ML technologies and applications. Read the full announcement.
Consultative Meetings
Members of the CNI community are invited to meet Natalie for consultation or conversation on topics related to AI, including AI projects, model monitoring, model alignment, AI governance, GenAI/LLM/RAG tools, the policy landscape, training or any others. This opportunity is open to anyone from a CNI member organization. Contact CNI for more details on booking a meeting.
ARL/CNI Joint Task Force on Scenario Planning for Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Futures
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) formed the Joint Task Force on Scenario Planning for AI and Machine-Learning Futures to articulate a set of scenarios for possible futures for the research enterprise that are heavily shaped by recent developments in AI and machine learning, with a particular emphasis on generative AI. The purpose is to help the ARL and CNI communities and the broader public to better understand the possible outcomes of developments and policy choices, rather than to predict the future. The hope is that these materials will also be useful as a starting point for further discussions and strategic planning among and within CNI and ARL member institutions.
Deluxe Edition
- ARL/CNI AI Scenarios: AI-Influenced Futures. Washington, DC, and West Chester, PA: Association of Research Libraries, Coalition for Networked Information, and Stratus Inc., June 2024. https://doi.org/10.29242/report.aiscenarios2024.
- The Final Scenario Set: This final scenario set explores potential futures where AI plays a pivotal role, providing critical insights into the evolving challenges and opportunities for the research environment.
- The Strategic Context Report: This report summarizes community feedback gathered through focus groups and interviews about an AI-influenced future for the research environment that were held in winter 2023–24 and spring 2024.
- The Provocateur Interview Report: Featuring forward-thinking dialogues with industry leaders, these interviews challenge conventional wisdom and stimulate stretch thinking with regards to an AI-influenced future.
Presentations
Press Releases
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- Association of Research Libraries and Coalition for Networked Information Publish AI-Influenced Scenarios for Research Environment (May 2024)
- Association of Research Libraries and Coalition for Networked Information Appoint Joint Task Force on Scenario Planning for AI & ML Futures (November 2023)
- Call for Expressions of Interest in Joint ARL/CNI Task Force on Scenario Planning for AI and Machine-Learning Futures (October 2023)
