Project: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime: The evolving role of the reference librarian in AI literacy.
Principal Investigator: Crystal Yin Electronic Resources and Systems Librarian, Library
Research Team: Brianna Henshaw (Co-applicant); Suyu Dong (Co-applicant); Jiaqi Pei, Student Research Assistant
Project Dates: May 15, 2025 – August 31, 2026
Project Funding: $7,000
Project Summary: The goal of reference services has always been to foster understanding rather than simply provide answers. The rise of AI has made information retrieval as easy as a single click, but it has also weakened the development of foundational research skills. Based on SSHRC-funded research conducted in Fall 2025, this project asks what the evolving role of the reference librarian is in AI literacy. We used the literature review, and the results of our research into international student research skill development, and our AI workshop series survey, to identify a consistent pattern of uncertainty and limited knowledge about AI among both students and instructors. Users routinely turn to the library to provide guidance about AI use in research and education. We argue that, in the era of AI, reference services need to move beyond teaching the research process toward helping users understand and navigate the broader information landscape.
Outcomes and Benefits: Expected outcomes include: (1) advancing understanding of the library research skill challenges and knowledge gaps facing international students at JIBC and similar post-secondary institutions; (2) understanding AI use in library research at JIBC; (3) enabling the JIBC Library to collaborate with faculty to develop tailored instructional resources and supports that improve international student success; (4) sharing research findings with international library and information science professionals at the International Federation of Library Associations’ 90th World Library and Information Congress (IFLA WLIC 2026); (5) providing the Student Research Assistant with professional development and conference publication experience; and (6) contributing to broader conversations about equitable, inclusive library instruction and AI literacy in higher education. International and domestic students, academic librarians, and faculty across Canadian and international post-secondary institutions stand to benefit most directly.
Funding and Support: SSHRC Institutional Grant (SIG) - Explore Stream
Project Status: Active
Deliverables: TBA
