Devin Fidler

University of Virginia Libraries will have two project briefings at Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) Spring 2026 in Salt Lake City (April 13–14), both wrestling with the same underlying question: what does responsible AI engagement with archival collections actually look like? Brenda Gunn and I will present "No Access Without Control: The UVA Archival AI Protocol" - a framework that helps institutions decide how to respond when external parties request access to library collections for AI training. With 2,500+ downloads already, it has found a wide audience. We will share the #Protocol and a new #adoption kit we built so other institutions can actually use it, not just read about it. Stan Gunn and Erich Purpur will present "Transcription OLLMpics" - a staff engagement initiative that got people learning AI by doing: testing LLMs on real archival #transcription and translation work. I’m happy to see our library working through these questions from multiple directions at once. Looking forward to the conversations in Salt Lake City. CNI Sprint Preliminary Title List: https://lnkd.in/eTDdZ2JH #CNI2026 #AcademicLibraries #AI #UVALibraries

57

2 Comments

On March 12, the National Academies will host a webinar on a new consensus study report on data and computing in K–12 education. The report identifies seven foundational competencies that underpin data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer science. It also offers guidance for integrating these competencies into K–12 education in ways that strengthen core mathematics and science learning. https://lnkd.in/ebZTpUkY

10

*AI in Libraries: From Dipping Their Toes to Diving Deep* Just returned from IGELU 2025 in Siena with insights that confirm what many of us assume: libraries are no longer just testing the waters with AI—they are diving in and swimming with different strokes. As @Oren Beit-Arie, Clarivate Senior Vice President, Strategy and Innovation, shared with us: " "A year ago, the vast majority of libraries were still exploring. We see a lot more adoption now, triple the number of libraries that are in stages of implementation. More than a third are doing something actively with AI." This insight comes from Clarivate's "Pulse of the Library report"—a global initiative in partnership with Library Journal that takes the pulse of librarians across academic, public, and national institutions. The comparison between 2024 and 2025 findings reveals this dramatic shift in AI adoption patterns. Why This Matters? We're witnessing the fastest technology adoption cycle in academic and national library history. Just a year ago, most institutions were still in the "wait and see" mode. Today, they are moving from experimentation to execution. What's Driving This Acceleration? A strategic imperative: Libraries that lag in AI adoption risk becoming irrelevant to their academic communities. Those leading the charge are positioning themselves as indispensable partners in research and learning. Looking Ahead? It seems the question is no longer "Should libraries adopt AI?" because that's a given. So in my engagement with libraries, I am curious, wondering and asking my esteemed library colleagues: -Is it the speed of adoption that matters? -Is finding the right solution/initiative of paramount importance? -How can libraries remain relevant and critical in this age and meet users where they are? #AcademicLibraries #LibraryTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalTransformation #LibraryStrategy #IGELU2025 #FutureOfLibraries

37

AI Education Opportunities and Federal Funding Last week the Federal Department of Education issued a "Dear Colleague Letter" on "leveraging federal education funds to improve educational outcomes through artificial intelligence," and published a proposed rule for comment on "Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Education."  This is a follow up to April's formation of an "Artificial Intelligence Task Force"  and coincides with the Trump administration's "AI Action Plan" announced last week. These are early steps in what will be a transformation of education through the use of AI tools, and triggers an acceleration in the coming year due to the rapid advancements in AI and provides even greater opportunities for use of AI in the education space going forward. #Education #Learning #AI #Artificialintelligence

4

It’s time for those of us in higher ed to embrace the role of builder. In 20 years, I’ve never been more energized to create what’s next. Generative AI has exposed what’s broken, and given us tools to rebuild. In my new piece, I share how my department is renewing learning goals and designing new assignments with and without AI and how California State University, Chico (Zach Justus) is investing in a campus-wide curriculum redesign. Let’s get building. https://lnkd.in/gZgtSfsW

17

3 Comments

New issue alert! The DATA BASE for Advances in Information Systems (Vol. 57, Issue 1, 2026) is now live in the ACM Digital Library. Curious about where the journal is headed next? Don’t miss the latest editorial, “State of the Journal: An Update on Progress and Priorities,” which shares insights into our growth and future directions. This issue also features research on trust in AI, remote work exhaustion, IT–business alignment, streaming services, and virtual volunteering. Explore the full issue here 👉 https://lnkd.in/enAYz9_X

36

📕 The book is out next week! “AI Applications in Online Higher Education Administration: Strategies for Maximizing Returns and Improving Outcomes” Edited by the incredible Kathleen Susan Ives, D.M., Marie Cini, and Ray Schroeder, the book explores how #AI is reshaping online #highereducation—from recruitment and advising to instructional design, assessment, and institutional strategy—with a focus on ethics, ROI, and student-centered innovation. 💡 My chapter, “Future Trends and Emerging Technologies for AI in Online Learning,” closes the book and attempts to look ahead 3-5 years (as much as is possible) to examine what might be around the corner for all of us. 🙏 Thank you, UPCEA and Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group) for supporting this important work. https://lnkd.in/gbZcN9vD

99

16 Comments

Ready to dive deep into the critical conversations we need be having about AI in higher ed? The new AI Ethics Learning Toolkit covers 10 essential topics, from environmental impacts to privacy concerns to the often-overlooked human labor behind AI systems. Perfect for educators, students, and anyone wanting to engage thoughtfully with generative #AI and its implications. Because understanding the ethics isn't optional, it's essential. 🔗 Explore the toolkit: https://lnkd.in/e-XMSMEs Duke University Libraries Duke University

29

One Lesson Every Institution Needs for AI Adoption** AI adoption fails for one simple reason. Everyone experiments individually. No shared direction. No shared framework. No shared guardrails. The result is chaos and confusion. Institutions need one common approach Discover Define Design Deploy When leaders adopt this four step approach, AI becomes structured and scalable. If you want this framework in a one page visual, tell me in comments. #AIAdoption #AILeadership #InstitutionalAI #EnterpriseAI #DigitalTransformation #AIFramework #LeadershipStrategy #ScaleWithAI #InnovationLeadership

1

Is your AI strategy a "Complexity Trap"? In Higher Ed, we often mistake technical complexity for academic rigor. The result? Unused tools and faculty burnout. The video below breaks down the Friction Gap: - Complexity Hinders Adoption: It creates "AI fatigue" and siloed experiences. - Usability Drives Equity: It ensures 24/7 support and inclusive environments for all users. The Goal: - Frictionless UI → Higher student completions. - Automated Workflows → Less staff burnout. - Actionable Data → Insights you can actually use. Stop choosing between "Power" and "Ease." Sophisticated AI should be invisible, not a hurdle. #HigherEd #AI #DigitalTransformation #EdTech #SemantikMatch

20

1 Comment

Had a fun conversation with Chris LeBrun on his Wholistic Productivity Podcast about AI policy, ethics, and practical applications. We covered everything from AI governance challenges and harm disclosure to job displacement concerns and what the next five years might look like for AI integration. We also discussed strategies for using AI. The "opposing council" approach to AI collaboration was one of them. Try asking AI to review your work by prompting it to answer questions like: What would my enemies say about what I just wrote? How would they mock me? How would they deconstruct my arguments? What would my competitors identify as the weakest part? Why this works: → Transforms AI from a yes-machine into a critical thinking partner  → Normally takes me days to develop this kind of objective self-critique  → With thoughtful prompting, I get rigorous criticism in real-time  → Results in higher quality work that anticipates counterarguments The bigger picture: Learning in the age of AI requires new strategies. We can't just copy-paste AI output—we need workflows that leverage AI's capabilities while maintaining our critical thinking skills. Thanks to Chris for the thoughtful conversation about navigating this technological transition responsibly. 🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode here at https://lnkd.in/eRUNsJug What's your experience using AI as a partner for thinking? #AI #Productivity #CriticalThinking #Policy #Technology

14

3 Comments

Together with partners and funders, we've raised $26 million for #AI infrastructure for #education. By funding the creation of public goods, we will accelerate the development of AI products that reflect the needs of all learners, the power of learning science principles, and the rigor of education-specific AI applications. With amazing partners, Digital Promise will manage the program, requesting proposals (early next year) and orchestrating the grants. And we're starting by asking for your input: https://lnkd.in/euMdz3nB Please share this opportunity widely.

69

8 Comments

I’ve been thinking a lot about how libraries can support the growing quantum research ecosystem, especially here in Colorado. Starting with Quantum Computing as a Library Service (QCAALS) to provide access to AWS Braket, we’re taking early steps to show how libraries can expand quantum readiness on campus. Sharing a recent piece I wrote on where this work can go next, and how we can help support the researchers making it happen.

20

If you're a current or aspiring online leader, this report is a must read. While there are a multitude of metrics that can help inform decision-making, the new KPIs allow for a nuanced understanding of your current and future trajectory, and offers practical steps for how to get there.

3

AI "excels at prediction within existing frameworks, but paradigm shifts require replacing these with simpler alternatives whose implications haven’t yet been explored... We must build visionary machines rather than merely predictive ones." https://lnkd.in/e-h4bNVw

6

The next compliance shift in higher ed isn’t just another framework update. It’s AI governance. Jessica Wanamaker breaks down what institutions should be preparing for now: ✏️ Clear guidelines for how AI can and can’t be used across teaching, research, and operations ✏️ Defined ownership for AI oversight (security, legal, compliance, academic leadership) ✏️ Controls around data use, bias, and transparency before regulation forces the issue AI ethics is a security and compliance responsibility. Universities that build guardrails now will have far less risk to untangle later.

10

📘 New guide for ECE leaders and educators - Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in ECE. Written by our pedagogical team to take everyone from AI skeptics to advocates, through considerations for safe implementation of AI in ECE. Understand how you might: Create a solid framework for evaluating AI tools Develop an AI policy specific to your service Pilot the use of AI tools Adopt AI tools and support everyone to get onboard 📥 Download your free copy today: https://hubs.li/Q03jqRs80 #EarlyChildhoodEducation #AIinECE

10