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

• Presentation at Spring 2024 Membership Meeting

Press Releases

• Call for Expressions of Interest in Joint ARL/CNI Task Force on Scenario Planning for AI and Machine-Learning Futures
• Association of Research Libraries and Coalition for Networked Information Appoint Joint Task Force on Scenario Planning for AI & ML Futures
• Association of Research Libraries and Coalition for Networked Information Publish AI-Influenced Scenarios for Research Environment

About the Task Force

• Task Force Charge