Global AI Leadership Summit (GAILS)

The Association for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T) is pleased to announce the first annual Global Artificial Intelligence Leadership Summit (GAILS). ASIS&T is partnering with the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) on this event. GAILS is an offshoot of the IDEA Institute, which was previously funded by IMLS, in recognition of the need for greater AI training in libraries. While the IDEA Institute continues to focus on preparing library professionals to maximize the potential of AI to improve library processes, GAILS is an opportunity to look at the future potential of AI to maximize a library’s impact on its institution and society.

ASIS&T and ARL are bringing together academic, public, and state library leaders in a discussion about where AI is taking us, what we need from AI, and how we can prepare for the future. This invitation-only event will provide an opportunity for leaders to share successes, failures, and frustrations, and use the collective wisdom of the group to identify common needs and opportunities for the development of new tools and processes.

The soon-to-be-released ARL 2035 AI Scenarios will serve as a starting point for discussion around what the future might look like when AI plays a key role in library operations. We will consider what the future workforce might need in terms of core competencies to succeed under these scenarios. We will explore future research opportunities based on these scenarios. We will discuss the ethical implications of allowing AI to set priorities or control resources. We will examine current pain points and how AI can help address them.

Using an “unconference” approach, the agenda will be guided by the discussions and the participants. This will be the participants’ meeting…their chance to ask the questions they want answered, meet people who share their perspective and have had similar experiences or challenges, and brainstorm an ideal future for their institution / staff / students / faculty / patrons.