Nicholas Johnson
Director of Artificial Intelligence
Stony Brook University
As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms knowledge creation, discovery, and stewardship, libraries face a defining question: will they help shape this transformation, or will they be shaped by it? This study evaluates academic and research libraries in North America to understand hiring trends and strategic workforce decision-making in response to the onset of AI. It examines whether libraries are recruiting for AI-related roles in order to identify emerging trends in titles, skills, and competencies, and evaluates why some libraries choose to invest while others hesitate. Findings highlight an evolving, dynamic, and adaptive field that is redefining libraries’ mission and reshaping their role in stewardship, expertise, and public trust.
