Episode 34 (October 2024) AI-Corrosion (and Repair!) of Trust in Public Institutions

Corrosive AI: Effects On and Expanded Roles Of Libraries and the Information Field

Sigh. It’s not enough that our instantly and continually connected information environment has eroded trust everywhere—including in our public institutions. The Internet, World Wide Web, and social media have been super-spreaders for misinformation (unintended misleading or false information) and dis-information (purposeful spreading of lies or deceptive information). But now, there is an even more powerful force at everyone’s fingertips-Artificial Intelligence. AI  now offers a set of multimedia tools and techniques to turbo-charge the creation and communication of false or misleading information. Referred to as “corrosive AI” by our colleague Riley Lankes, AI provides a new level of capability to undermine trust, particularly in government and public institutions, and unfortunately yes, even in libraries. 

 In this first podcast of our 5th season, and our first season in partnership with Library Journal, we try out some of these new AI tools, focus on the corrosive effects, and conclude with ways that libraries and librarians can help to repair or even avoid the damage.

Also - check out our BONUS VIDEO INTERVIEW - Rebekah Cummings is interviewed by Dave Lankes. Rebekah was chosen to run with Gubernatorial candidate, Brian King. He described Rebekah as: “A mom. A public servant. A librarian. A defender against book banning and censorship. Utahns will be well served by Rebekah’s leadership through her advocacy for intellectual freedom and commitment to empowering families.” Rebekah is the Director of Digital Matters and Associate Librarian at the University of Utah Marriott Library. In 2018 – 2019, Rebekah served as the Utah Library Association President, and she currently serves as the Utah State Library Board Chair.

NOTE: THIS INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE AS A VIDEO ON THE LIBRARY JOURNAL YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/kHrNVvyQD_g

For References & Resources for this episode visit us at
 https://librarieslead.libraryjournal.com/2024/10/01/episode-34-october-2024-corrosion-and-repair-of-trust-in-public-institutions/

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