The Ghana Library Association (GLA) is examining the role of Artificial Intelligence(AI) in modern library practice at its biennial congress and annual general meeting in Kumasi.

The three-day congress which was themed: "Navigating The Digital Frontier: AI and the Future of Libraries" brought together professionals in librarianship and information management to harness AI in ways that make information more accessible and provide a platform for collaboration.

Speaking at the congress, Prof. John Jerry Kponyo, Director of Quality Assurance at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), explained that to fully harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to transform sectors of the economy, key issues such as infrastructure, data, capacity building, and policies surrounding AI must be addressed.

“One of the key sectors for which we are gathered here is the educational sector. The key enablers of integrating AI into every sphere of our lives are fixing the right infrastructure, data, training talent, and the right policies or frameworks. We need to appreciate that AI is a digital tool, and therefore the digital environment in which we can apply AI must be top-notch. If the infrastructure is not available or reliable, it means we cannot maximize its potential as far as AI is concerned,” he said.

Prof. Kponyo who is also the principal investigator of the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Laboratory(RAIL-KNUST) encouraged the GLA to work closely together and provide the right data to train AI models.

“Data, based on which AI models are being trained globally, must be representative. We need to work closely together to ensure that the right data is available to train models.

"If we develop an AI tool to be used in the library and the database on which indigenous libraries will benefit is not available, we can’t use it. At the end of the day, we become slaves of the masters outside,” he said.

The President of the Ghana Library Association, Mrs. Comfort Asare, emphasised the need to integrate artificial intelligence into library services while addressing security concerns and ensuring community access.

“As we explore AI's potential, we must also address critical questions about privacy, data security, and equity. In a world where information is power, libraries must ensure that no one is left behind. It is our collective duty to harness AI in ways that make information more accessible and inclusive, bridging the gap between the privileged and the underserved,” she said.

Prof. Leonard Kofitse Amekudzi, Provost of the College of Science at KNUST, speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, stressed the need to approach the integration of AI ethically.

“While AI offers promises, we must approach it thoughtfully. As we integrate AI, we must be vigilant against algorithmic biases. Introducing AI creates ethical questions regarding data privacy. Libraries are uniquely positioned to lead in setting responsible AI standards, working to ensure that AI is used ethically and transparently,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Prof. Isaac Boateng, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), stated that for relevant and accurate information, librarians should remain rooted in their foundational values while embracing new technology to enhance their role in serving the community.

Prof. Boateng reiterated the need to create and digitize local information in ways that ensure inclusion and the preservation of Ghanaian knowledge in the global knowledge web exploited by AI.