Digital transformation was the topic of discussion at CILIP Libraries Rewired 2024. Inevitably there was a big focus on application of AI but also consideration of issues such as the digital divide and using tech to streamline processes. This took place at CodeNode, London on 1 November 2024.

The next couple of posts share a collection of reflections and learning from colleagues who attended: 

 

This second CILIP Rewired event was focussed on the use of AI and Digital Literacy, Data Stewardship, AI regulation and how the world uses AI across the sectors.

Professionals shared their knowledge and ideas about libraries and working in the fields, and I was incredibly honoured to attend.

It was a clear freeze frame on what the reality is of all libraries: public libraries, school libraries, and NHS ones.

On one hand thanks to Dr Emma Stone, from Good Things Foundation, we know that 4 out of 10 families don’t meet the Minimum Digital Living Standard, and in the other hand, AI pushes ourselves in a totally different directions. 

The overall scene is that the UK isn’t ready yet for a complete digital transformation. Emma Thwaites from ODI (Open Data Institute), talked about the National Data Library: she explained about their strategy and how our Data will be used and shared on Internet and between companies, issues and difficulties, and the importance of Data that must be secure and ethical.

We need to know in which way our information will be used and we need to understand what kind of Personal Data we want, or we need, to share between companies.

An intriguing Q&A, opened the discussions about another important consideration: are libraries and employees ready to use Data yet?

In a world that goes forward to Digital Verification Services there’s still lots of work to do, without Data there is no AI.

Fascinating afternoon discussion on the use of Artificial Intelligence in the context of different libraries.

In the Public Sector I agree that AI is a good service to answer simple questions or to create simple marketing images to use without incurring copyright issues, or any mandatory consent form, but I truly believe that for literature searches and more specific topics there is still a long way to go before approaching AI.

Brilliant contribution from Jenni Tellin: IA before AI: Information Architecture before Artificial Intelligence.

It was an extremely important day for me to meet other people which have my same interests and work path, create connections, and why not, be out and about in London for one day!

Laura Nunzi

Senior Library Assistant

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust