As part of a three-month professional attachment at Singapore Management University (SMU) Libraries, chosen for their innovative approach to AI integration, I had the unique opportunity to engage deeply with cutting-edge topics in academic librarianship. My focus on AI and critical thinking led to significant insights, particularly in approaching their challenges on different levels such as individual, group, and campus-wide. While immersing myself in an inspiring working environment with a different cultural background, I also gained valuable perspectives on collaboration and knowledge exchange. This experience not only broadened my professional horizons but also provided practical ideas for enhancing future library services at my home institution, the University Library Zurich.
1. Professional Insights
A professional attachment differs from a typical exchange with regards to depth and focus on practical, hands-on experience within the host institution. During my three-month attachment at SMU Libraries from February to April this year, I was fully integrated into their professional environment, allowing me to gain worthwhile insights into their operations and innovative approaches. Key aspects of my experience included:
- Exploration of AI and Critical Thinking
I gained deep insights into how SMU Libraries integrates these concepts into their services. A notable observation was the library’s approach to reframing its services – How can the library provide support along the entire research cycle and ensure that the skills it teaches have a measurable impact on students’ future careers? This question directly addresses AI and its implications for academic libraries. - Stakeholder Interactions and Network Building
Conversations with the library’s stakeholders within the university deepened my understanding of the strong connections that the library maintains. Additionally, interactions with colleagues from various institutions enabled me to build a small network and gain a comprehensive overview of the library landscape in Singapore. As part of these explorations, I visited:
- National University of Singapore (NUS) Libraries
- Ngee-Ann Kongsi Library at Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Libraries
- Temasek Polytechnic (TP) Library
These visits provided valuable comparative perspectives on different approaches to library services in the context of AI and critical thinking.
2. Knowledge Transfer and Impact
The insights gained during my attachment inspired several initiatives upon my return:
- Presentation for library staff: I delivered a presentation to the library staff of the University of Zurich, sharing key insights and experiences from the attachment programme at SMU Libraries.
- Coffee Lecture: I conducted a session at the University Library Zurich focusing on the critical evaluation of AI-generated content. This provided an opportunity to connect the outcomes from my research report with an activity aimed at fostering critical thinking.
- Blogpost: To extend the reach of my attachment experience, I developed a blogpost expanding on the themes discussed in the Coffee Lecture. This written piece not only documented my experience but also offered a platform for wider engagement with the professional community.
- Round-table Discussion: As a result of the blogpost, I received an invitation from one of my faculty to join a round-table discussion about AI in higher education, further extending the impact of my attachment.
- Inter-institutional Presentation: I was invited by another academic institution to deliver a presentation on my professional attachment, followed by a question-and-answer session. This event, aimed at the entire library staff of that institution, provided an excellent opportunity to share insights and best practices across institutions, fostering a broader dialogue about AI and critical thinking in academic libraries.
3. AI and Critical Thinking
My research project “Empowering Minds: Academic Libraries and Critical Thinking with ChatGPT” yielded significant insights with implications for the future of academic libraries:
- Multi-level Engagement: Activities related to critical thinking and AI should be addressed at various levels: individual, class, and campus-wide. This multi-tiered approach ensures a comprehensive integration of AI literacy across the academic ecosystem.
- Staff Development: Continuous professional development of library staff is crucial for building new competencies in AI and critical thinking. This internal capacity building is essential for libraries to remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
- Preparing for the Future: The aim of library activities should be to promote the competent use of AI, preparing students for the workforce and contributing to lifelong learning in a responsible society.
4. Impact at SMU Libraries
The research report was presented to SMU Libraries staff as a working document designed to evolve with practical application and ongoing feedback. This approach recognizes the dynamic nature of AI technology and the need for continual refinement of strategies.
The feedback I received was encouraging and insightful. One librarian noted: “I like that there was a reference to the ACRL Framework and Bloom’s Taxonomy, and how other resources like the CLEAR Framework for Prompt Engineering and CIDI Framework could potentially be used to assist librarians in this matter.”
Another staff member highlighted the practical potential of the research, stating: “I appreciate the models and approaches you shared. Very helpful. [I] will certainly follow up on them. Making the Library’s role in teaching critical thinking [is] very important.”
These comments reflect the immediate applicability of my findings and underscore the report’s role as a contribution to ongoing discussion and refinement.
5. International Impact
The engagement extended beyond Singapore, with notable contributions in Malaysia and Thailand.
- Workshop at Monash University Library, Kuala Lumpur
I conducted a two-day workshop for library staff at Monash University Library that built upon the findings of my research report. The workshop focused on critical thinking skills in the context of AI, particularly ChatGPT. It was well-received, as evidenced by the feedback from participants.
One librarian reflected: “I like the reminder to think of the core values of the library when engaging with AI. Despite the sometimes-intimidating newness of AI, it is motivating to consider that information is our core business and we can strategize our approach to AI around this.”
Another participant emphasized: “It was a valuable sharing session on the importance of developing critical thinking as we use AI more and more in our daily lives. I believe that instilling awareness and values to users on how to best utilize AI while implementing their own critical thinking will help users go a long way.”
These comments highlight how the workshop successfully linked innovative AI technologies with the fundamental principles of librarianship and critical thinking, effectively translating the research findings into practical insights for the participants.
- Presentation at Chulalongkorn University Library, Thailand
I contributed to SMU Libraries’ presentation on “Navigating the AI Implementation in ASEAN Libraries” at the AI seminar hosted by Chulalongkorn University Library in collaboration with NUS and SMU Libraries. The presentation was co-delivered with my colleagues from SMU Libraries, Benedict Yeo and Samantha Seah, showcasing our collaborative approach and diverse expertise.
The presentation was exceptionally well-received, with a rating of 4.75 out of 5 in the programme evaluation survey. This high score reflects the relevance and quality of the insights shared, underscoring the value of the knowledge exchange facilitated by this professional development stay.
These experiences demonstrated the broader impact of this attachment programme, extending its benefits beyond Singapore to influence practices across the ASEAN region. They positioned SMU Libraries and myself as key collaborators in the application of AI in academic librarianship, fostering international connections and knowledge sharing.
The positive reception in both Malaysia and Thailand underscores the relevance and timeliness of integrating AI and critical thinking skills in academic library services. It also highlights the potential for future collaborations and exchanges between institutions in the region, contributing to a more interconnected and innovative academic library landscape in Southeast Asia.
6. Strategies for Maintaining Relevance in the AI Era
Based on the insights gained, key strategies for academic libraries to maintain relevance include:
- Invest in continuous professional development for library staff. Acknowledging the impact of AI on society, academic libraries need to upskill their staff to adapt and/or evolve their existing services. Learning how to create workflows for qualitative data analysis is one prime example.
- Implement adaptive service models responsive in a new AI-driven educational landscape. To break from traditional roles (e.g. liaison librarianship) and to move to a more target group-centred approach, where not the individual librarian counts, but the group of librarians working for the same individual needs of target groups. University libraries such as SMU Libraries build up new team structures to fulfil these requirements.
- Lead in promoting ethical AI use within the academic community regarding principles such as transparency and reliability. The promotion of hackathons or workshops represents a valuable opportunity for academic libraries to enhance their visibility and foster closer relationships with students and faculty.
7. Conclusion
This professional attachment has provided practical insights into AI and critical thinking in libraries, while also broadening my understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by modern academic libraries. The hands-on experience and professional connections made during this attachment will shape my future contributions to the field.
The perspectives gained and the engagement fostered have enriched my practices and opened new avenues for innovation and collaboration between the University Library Zurich and SMU Libraries. This programme has demonstrated the value of international professional attachments for academic libraries, contributing to more innovative, AI-literate, and globally connected academic library services.
Contributed by:
Lukas Tschopp, Visiting Librarian at SMU Libraries from University Library Zurich
Acknowledgements:
I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to SMU Libraries, particularly Shameem Nilofar and Rajen Munoo, for their invaluable assistance and insights. I would like to express my gratitude to the University Library Zurich for providing me with this invaluable opportunity, and to my colleagues at NUS, SIT, NTU, and TP Libraries for their contributions, which have been of great benefit to me. I am also indebted to Monash University Library and Chulalongkorn University Library for facilitating international exchange, and to Benedict Yeo and Samantha Seah for their collaboration. This experience has been extremely beneficial, fostering connections that will have a significant impact on my future, both professionally and personally.