AI for the Information Professional

Who better than Andrew Cox, author of so many influential publications about AI for information professionals across the previous decade, to write the definitive book in this domain? He builds on that corpus here to deliver a critical guide, as the subtitle promises, taking readers well beyond the hype and enabling them to make up their own minds about how best to approach and integrate AI. Cox achieves this through a highly informed, authoritative and well-balanced perspective, rich with resonant examples, on current and future implications across multiple dimensions embracing information services, operations, skills and ethics.

-- John Cox, former University Librarian, University of Galway and author of The Strategic Positioning of Academic Libraries

AI for the Information Professional delivers on its promise to provide an ‘accessible, engaging, practical, future-oriented and critical introduction to AI’. Delightfully, it does so in a tone that will appeal to librarians with its balanced and considered approach to the various challenges posed by generative AI. The non-technical overview of the issues at hand will be as useful for senior strategy leaders as the practical activities in each chapter will be for instructors.

-- Dr Gavin Boyce, Head of Faculty & Research Partnership, The University of Sheffield Library

Andrew Cox has distilled years of reading and research into a clear and absorbing account of the concept of AI and its implications for library, information and knowledge organizations. Using a nice mix of stories, activities and other devices, he provides a nuanced well-documented discussion of the opportunities, challenges and controversies presented by rapid advances in AI technologies, which will help both newcomers and experienced practitioners reflect on their positions and rethink their responses.

-- Sheila Corrall, former Professor of Library and Information Science, University of Pittsburgh, USA

A thoughtful and insightful book that goes beyond the current hype around AI and explores the topic through stories, making it relatable to LIS professionals while also broadening the horizon to understand different viewpoints. The activities make for enjoyable reading, and if you only have time to read one book this year about AI for the LIS profession, I highly recommend Andrew’s new book.

-- Dr Stefanie Havelka, Assistant Professor, University College Dublin, ASIST SIG-AI Chair 2025-