Information science scholars and practitioners have anticipated the evolution (and expansion) of artificial intelligence (AI) for decades. AI has been called the “technology of a generation,” (UK Government, 2024) and as such, information science scholars will have a significant role in its development and implementation. As the world is now embracing AI in most aspects of life from education, commerce, leisure, physical and mental health care, politics, among others, information science scholars and practitioners should be asking difficult questions about how information science research can be used to benefit society and to guide others to thoughtfully implement the outcomes of our research within numerous contexts. As Marchionini in a recent article in the iSchools Newsletter (September 24, 2024) calls attention to, “we must ask ourselves what kinds of complicity we have in these developments. We conduct user studies that guide technical progress; invent and practice sometimes indiscriminate information gobbling through crawling, linking, and documenting services; form technical partnerships to personalize messages and curate highly targeted recommendations; and promote and advocate for technology advances to our students and colleagues, which on one hand leads to jobs while at the extreme devolves into tech titan envy.”

Information scientists and practitioners have critical roles to play in “leading reflection, debate, and respectful balance” as we consider the global future of AI. Information science should play a greater role in creating policy, theories of ethical information use, and insightful models of information use that can be part of a better solution for Human-AI interaction in these turbulent and complex times.

As the premier international conference in the field, the ASIS&T Annual Meeting is a forum to engage in these difficult conversations, to draw attention to, and learn from each other, as we move research and practice forward in the age of AI. We seek submissions that explore and serve as springboards for discussions about responsible, ethical research and development practices, information science’s role in policy and decision-making, leveraging AI in numerous contexts such as education, health care, commerce, leisure, among others, while maintaining innovation and creativity within thoughtful design, development and implementation of information systems, and educating and mentoring future leaders of the field.

Marchionini, G. (September 24, 2024). Complicity, Responsibility, and Bridge Building. iSchools Newsletter, Feature Story, #88. https://www.ischools.org/news/categories/news-features
UK Government (2024) UK & United States announce partnership on science of AI safety, Press release 2 April 2024. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-united-states-announce-partnership-on-science-of-ai-safety