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Monday, March 13, 2023

ChatGPT and the New Role of Electronic Resource Librarianship (ERL)

ChatGPT is an AI language model that has the potential to revolutionize the workflow of Electronic resource librarians and can explain the role of electronic resources librarians in managing metadata, electronic resources, and discovery tools, as well as the skills and qualifications required for these positions.

This commentary shows the impact of ChatGPT on the workflow of Electronic Resource Librarians (ERL) and how it can improve the quality of service offered to library users.

New Standard Expectations

Instant Assistance

ChatGPT can provide instant and personalized assistance to library users searching for electronic resources. Users can ask questions and receive answers immediately without waiting for a librarian to become available.

24/7 Availability

ChatGPT can assist users around the clock, reducing the need for librarians to work overtime or be available at all times. This means that users can receive help whenever they need it.

Personalized Recommendations

ChatGPT can analyze usage statistics, user feedback, and trends in the field to provide personalized recommendations to users. This can help users find the most relevant resources based on their needs and preferences.

Real-time Updates

ChatGPT can provide real-time updates on changes and updates to electronic resources, such as new acquisitions, changes to licensing agreements, and troubleshooting technical issues. This can help librarians stay up-to-date with the latest developments in electronic resource management and ensure that library users have access to the most current and accurate information.

Search Optimization

ChatGPT can help users optimize their search strategies and metadata, making it easier to find relevant electronic resources. This can help users save time and find the information they need more quickly and accurately.

Multilingual Support

ChatGPT can provide assistance in multiple languages, making it easier for non-native speakers to use the library's electronic resources. This can help increase the library's reach and accessibility.

Accessibility Support

ChatGPT can help users with disabilities navigate electronic resources and provide guidance on how to make electronic resources more accessible. This can help increase the library's inclusivity and support for diverse users.

User Behavior Analysis

ChatGPT can analyze usage statistics, user feedback, and trends in the field to help librarians understand how users interact with electronic resources and their needs and preferences. This can help librarians optimize the library's electronic resource collection, identify gaps, and make informed decisions when selecting and renewing electronic resources.

Resource Budget Optimization

ChatGPT can provide insights into which electronic resources are most relevant to the library's collections, and user needs based on usage statistics, user feedback, and trends in the field. This can help librarians make informed decisions when selecting and renewing electronic resources and optimize the library's electronic resource budget.

User Satisfaction Improvement

ChatGPT can provide instant assistance, accurate information, and personalized recommendations, enhancing the user experience and increasing user satisfaction. This can lead to greater engagement with electronic resources, increased usage, and a more positive perception of the library and its services.

Delivery and Supporting of Electronic Resources
  • ChatGPT has conceptual and practical knowledge of computing hardware and networking technologies and an understanding of database design, markup languages, and software such as link resolver software and electronic resources management software (ERMS). 
  • ChatGPT can also assist in assessing and evaluating electronic resources through its ability to collect, analyze, manipulate, and provide meaningful interpretation of data.

ChatGPT and Programming Languages and Hardware

  • ChatGPT also has a strong understanding of database design, which is crucial for organizing and providing access to electronic resources. Markup languages like HTML and XML are also within ChatGPT's expertise. 
  • ChatGPT has experience with link resolver, meta search, and electronic resources management software (ERMS), which manage and provide access to electronic resources. 
  • ChatGPT has extensive knowledge of computing hardware and mobile devices to access electronic information and networking technologies, including wired and wireless connections.
Evaluating Electronic Resources

Regarding assessing and evaluating electronic resources, ChatGPT can collect, analyze, manipulate, and provide meaningful interpretation of data. 

This allows ChatGPT to track resource usage and provide recommendations for canceling or adding subscriptions based on curricular needs and budgetary constraints. 

And ChatGPT can also monitor pricing policies and package deals from publishers and vendors to identify alternatives to current subscriptions.

Productive Communication

Effective communication is another critical aspect of the ERL role. ChatGPT can assist by communicating effectively, promptly, and consistently, both verbally and in writing, with a broad range of internal and external audiences. 

ChatGPT can also assist in synthesizing easy-to-understand summaries of complex phenomena and explaining and instructing clearly and concisely.

Leadership and Administration

Supervision and management skills are also crucial for the ERL role. ChatGPT can assist by demonstrating practical project management skills, evaluating existing procedures and workflows, and synthesizing policy statements based on best practices. 

ChatGPT can also assist in system administration through its knowledge of system architectures, capabilities, and support options.

Automation

ChatGPT can assist in automating certain aspects of technical services, such as updating knowledge bases with accurate holdings data or creating metadata for electronic resources. 

For example, the NISO KBART Automation Working Group is currently working on ways to automate updating knowledge bases with accurate holdings data, which is a highly time-consuming process in most academic libraries. 

ChatGPT can help develop solutions for automating such tasks by providing insights into current practices and proposing new approaches.

More APIs

  • ChatGPT can assist in developing and implementing APIs for libraries to connect with other systems and tools. APIs can be challenging to build and integrate, requiring extensive technical knowledge and expertise. 
  • ChatGPT can assist in developing and testing APIs, ensuring that they are user-friendly, reliable, and effective in enabling communication between different systems.
Best Practices

ChatGPT can also assist in promoting best practices and standards in technical services, such as RDA and KBART. As these standards continue to evolve and change, ChatGPT can provide updates and insights into these changes, ensuring that librarians stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments in technical services.

Electronic Resource Management (ERM)

As a language model, ChatGPT can provide comprehensive details on how it can help reimagine technical services in academic libraries, particularly concerning electronic resource management (ERM) and the transition to electronic collections.

AI as Cognitive Aid in Searching As Standard

One way in which ChatGPT can assist is by providing access to a vast amount of information on technical services, ERM, and related topics. With its ability to process large amounts of text and perform complex analyses, ChatGPT can quickly locate relevant information from various sources, including scholarly articles, reports, and industry publications.

This can be helpful for librarians and other stakeholders seeking to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in technical services and ERM.

AI Aided Electronic Resource Management

ChatGPT can also assist in developing new strategies and approaches for managing electronic resources. For example, it can help identify potential areas for collaboration and integration between different systems and services within or across various libraries. It can also assist in developing automated workflows and tools for managing and analyzing metadata, saving time and increasing efficiency in technical services.

Creating Documents

Additionally, ChatGPT can assist in developing training materials and resources for librarians and staff involved in ERM and technical services. With its ability to generate high-quality, readable text, ChatGPT can help create user-friendly documentation, guides, and training materials that library staff can easily understand and implement.

Technical Services

ChatGPT can help in several ways to support changes in library technical services. 

As a large language model, it can assist librarians in staying up-to-date with current trends and practices in technical assistance by providing relevant and accurate information on topics related to specialized services, such as electronic resources management, cataloging, and metadata.

As libraries manage an increasing number of electronic resources, the reorganization of technical services has become necessary. ChatGPT can help by providing insights into best practices for reorganizing technical assistance and managing electronic resources effectively.
ChatGPT can assist in understanding the reorganization of technical services to manage electronic resources, as it can process and generate explanations based on vast data and knowledge. 

In addition, it can help identify patterns and trends in reorganizing technical services across academic libraries and provide insights into how ERM positions and units have evolved.

For example, ChatGPT can analyze the factors that led to the reorganization of technical services in the 2000s, such as the growth of electronic collections and the need to coordinate staff works with different responsibilities. It can also explain the challenges libraries faced in dedicating staff to ERM and how this led to the creation of new ERM units and the repurposing of professional librarian positions.

Moreover, ChatGPT can provide information on the different strategies that libraries have used to manage electronic resources, such as cataloging automation, metadata management, and the development of dedicated software and tools. It can also explain how libraries have adapted to new technologies and business models, such as transitioning from CD-ROM to online information resources and using APIs to connect different systems and services.

ChatGPT can also provide information on the patterns libraries can follow when reorganizing technical services. For example, some libraries may create a centralized unit, while others may alter existing positions without changing the organizational chart. ChatGPT can guide each approach's advantages and disadvantages and help libraries determine which approach best suits their needs.

ChatGPT can provide information on the tools and technologies libraries can use to manage electronic resources. For example, ChatGPT can give information on ERM systems, proxy servers, and other devices that can help libraries to manage their electronic collections more effectively. It can also guide integration of different techniques and tools for optimum functionality, such as using APIs to connect essential resources and tools.

ChatGPT can provide a comprehensive explanation of the different patterns of reorganization that academic libraries have followed. These patterns include the creation of centralized units, the alteration of existing positions, the outsourcing of technical services to remote locations, and the reorganization of specialized assistance based on time-based processes.

Cognitive Aid for Staff

With its natural language processing capabilities, ChatGPT can also help library staff understand the technical jargon and terminology used in the literature, making it easier to implement new strategies and adapt to changing technologies. ChatGPT can also guide using new tools and technologies, such as APIs and automation software, which are increasingly used in technical services to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Evolving Compentices of Electronic Resources Management (ERM)

The evolution of technical services in academic libraries toward managing electronic resources has created a need for specialized skills and knowledge, particularly in electronic resources management (ERM).

ChatGPT can provide access to vast knowledge on this subject. As a large language model, ChatGPT has been trained on a vast corpus of texts, including scholarly literature, books, and other resources that cover ERM and other technical services topics.

Significantly, ChatGPT can provide detailed explanations of complex concepts and definitions of key terms and acronyms in this field.

Moreover, it can assist in identifying the different skill sets required to perform the tasks of an ERL, as well as providing information on best practices, tools, and techniques used in this area. Finally, it can also help provide insights into the latest trends and developments in technical services, including changes in LIS education, professional development, and training.

This is significant because, historically, the evolution of technical services in academic libraries toward managing electronic resources has created a need for specialized skills and knowledge, particularly in electronic resources management (ERM).

ChatGPT and the Core Competencies of Electronic Resources Librarians

As an AI language model, ChatGPT can assist in a few ways regarding the Core Competencies of Electronic Resources Librarians:

  • ChatGPT can provide information on the competencies and help explain their relevance and importance in the library and information science field.
  • ChatGPT can aid in identifying specific resources and training programs that address the competencies, such as workshops or online courses. 
And also guide development skills in particular areas, such as negotiation with vendors or understanding license agreements.

  • ChatGPT can offer insights into emerging trends and new technologies that may impact the competencies and the role of electronic resource librarians in the future.
  • ChatGPT can also provide examples and details about the life cycle of electronic resources, such as creation, access, administration, support, evaluation, and disposition.
  • ChatGPT can offer information on the broader understanding of the life cycle of electronic resources and how it serves as a foundation for anyone to be prepared to work with and act as a bridge across multiple units or departments involved in electronic resources management in information organizations.
Thorough knowledge of electronic resource acquisitions

ChatGPT librarianship can help ERLs manage electronic resource budgets, encumbrances, ILS acquisition module functions, and other accounting situations. In addition, ChatGPT can provide insights and recommendations on optimizing the use of financial resources and making informed decisions when acquiring electronic resources.

Thorough knowledge of electronic resource licensing and the legal framework

ChatGPT librarianship can help ERLs understand the concepts, implications, and contract language about electronic resource licenses, including issues such as archival rights, perpetual access, and interlibrary loan. In addition, ChatGPT can provide information on copyright and fair use, assisting ERLs in obtaining favorable licensing terms during negotiations.

Ability to apply principles involved in the organization and representation of recorded knowledge and information to electronic resources

ChatGPT librarianship can assist ERLs in using metadata systems, cataloging, indexing, and classifying electronic resources, allowing for effective organization and access points valid to the community. In addition, ChatGPT can provide recommendations on best practices and emerging trends related to metadata management.

Experience with bibliographic and other utilities used to record metadata

ChatGPT librarianship can support ERLs in recording metadata by providing access to bibliographic utilities and standards such as CONSER and continuing resource cataloging principles. ChatGPT can also provide knowledge of emerging best practices related to RDA/FRBR.

Thorough understanding of records management

ChatGPT librarianship can assist ERLs in managing records necessary for tracking electronic purchases, subscriptions, access setup and maintenance, and licenses. In addition, ChatGPT can provide recommendations on best practices for electronic records management.

A commitment to maintaining awareness of trends and ongoing developments

ChatGPT librarianship can assist ERLs in staying up-to-date on emerging trends and products related to the entire life cycle of electronic resources. In addition, ChatGPT can provide access to the latest research and literature related to electronic resources management.

Thorough knowledge of electronic resource acquisitions

ChatGPT can assist in financial management and budgeting by providing financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting tools. It can also assist in automating purchasing processes and tracking orders.

Thorough knowledge of electronic resource licensing and the legal framework

ChatGPT can help with legal research and analysis, providing access to legal databases and resources to stay current on copyright law and licensing agreements.

Ability to apply principles involved in the organization and representation of recorded knowledge and information to electronic resources

ChatGPT can help with metadata management, cataloging, indexing, and classifying electronic resources to make them easily discoverable and accessible to users.

Experience with bibliographic and other utilities used to record metadata

ChatGPT can assist with record keeping and maintenance, providing tools to track purchases, subscriptions, and licenses. It can also help with metadata standards and best practices.

Thorough understanding of records management

ChatGPT can provide tools for managing and organizing records related to electronic purchases, subscriptions, and licenses, as well as tracking access setup and maintenance.

Commitment to maintaining awareness of trends and ongoing developments

ChatGPT can provide access to the latest research and news related to electronic resources, keeping ERLs informed of emerging trends and developments.

Thorough knowledge of electronic resource acquisitions

ChatGPT can assist ERLs in managing electronic resource budgets, encumbrances, and other accounting situations by providing information and insights on financial management best practices.

Thorough knowledge of electronic resource licensing

ChatGPT can help ERLs stay updated with the legal framework surrounding electronic resource licensing, including copyright and fair use laws. ChatGPT can also provide insights on negotiating and obtaining library-friendly licensing terms during publisher/vendor negotiations.

Ability to apply principles of organization and representation of recorded knowledge and information

ChatGPT can assist ERLs in organizing electronic resources to provide valuable access points for their communities. ChatGPT can also provide information and insights on metadata, cataloging, indexing, classification, and emerging best practices.

Experience with bibliographic and other utilities used to record metadata

ChatGPT can provide information and insights on bibliographic and other utilities that record metadata and standards, such as CONSER and continuing resource cataloging principles.

Thorough understanding of records management

ChatGPT can assist ERLs in managing electronic resource records, including tracking electronic purchases, subscriptions, access setup and maintenance, and licenses. ChatGPT can also provide information and insights on best practices in records management.

Commitment to maintaining awareness of trends and ongoing developments

ChatGPT can provide updates and insights on emerging trends and products related to the entire life cycle of electronic resources, helping ERLs stay updated with the latest developments in the field.

Thorough knowledge of electronic resource acquisitions

ChatGPT can provide insights and analysis of electronic resource acquisitions through natural language processing of relevant literature, vendor websites, and online marketplaces.

Thorough knowledge of electronic resource licensing and the legal framework in which it takes place

ChatGPT can provide legal and policy-related information on electronic resource licensing by analyzing relevant legal documents and policy statements.

Ability to apply principles involved in the organization and representation of recorded knowledge and information to electronic resources

ChatGPT can assist in organizing and managing electronic resources through its natural language processing capabilities, which can help with metadata creation and management.

Experience with bibliographic and other utilities used to record metadata

ChatGPT can provide information on bibliographic utilities, metadata standards, and emerging best practices related to RDA/FRBR by analyzing relevant literature and industry publications.

Thorough understanding of records management

ChatGPT can help with records management by providing insights on tracking electronic purchases, subscriptions, and licenses by analyzing relevant literature and data processing tools.

Commitment to maintaining awareness of trends and ongoing developments in areas related to the entire life cycle of electronic resources

ChatGPT can provide regular updates on trends and developments in electronic resources through its natural language processing capabilities and analysis of relevant literature and industry publications.

Insights into Electronic Resources ChatGPTLibrarian

ChatGPT can offer perspectives on academic libraries' challenges in adapting to the digital transition. The incremental development of the ERL position has created some negative consequences for academic libraries, such as slower adoption of efficient and user-friendly online information services, leading to declining support from users and funding agencies. However, as AI and other advanced technologies evolve, libraries must adapt quickly to remain relevant.

Furthermore, ChatGPT can offer insights into the evolving role of librarians and the challenges they face in meeting users' information needs in a self-service digital information world that requires constant innovation, creativity, nonlinear thinking, and the perpetual reorganization of routine work.

Integrating ERM

Integrating ERM with other specialized services functions is necessary to ensure efficient and effective management of library resources. ChatGPT can also offer insights into libraries' challenges in implementing these changes, such as staff training and the cost of implementing new systems and workflows.

ChatGPT ARL Statistics

ChatGPT can assist in analyzing the data provided by the ARL statistics and help identify trends in the transition from print to electronic resources in libraries. Using natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, ChatGPT can provide insights into the reasons for the shift towards electronic resources, such as changes in acquisition strategies, mergers, expansions of publishers, and changing user preferences.

ChatGPT can also assist in identifying potential limits on further growth in electronic resources, such as the economic downturn, finite acquisitions budgets, and ongoing preferences for print or other material types among some library users.

ChatGPT can assist in analyzing the growth of electronic resources in academic libraries and identifying the factors driving this growth.

Using natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, ChatGPT can provide insights into the reasons for the shift towards electronic resources, such as changes in acquisition strategies, mergers, expansions of publishers, and changing user preferences.

ChatGPT can also assist in identifying the challenges libraries face in adapting to the digital transition, such as the need to adopt efficient and user-friendly online information services and the evolving role of librarians in the digital age.

Additionally, ChatGPT can provide insights into the optimal electronic resources needed to support research, teaching, and the overall development of campus faculty, staff, and students.

Overall, ChatGPT can help academic libraries make informed decisions about the growth of their electronic resource collections and the allocation of resources to meet the evolving needs of their users.

eBooks Analysis

ChatGPT can assist in analyzing the growth of eBooks in academic libraries and identifying the factors driving this growth.

Using natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, ChatGPT can provide insights into the reasons for the shift towards eBooks, such as changes in acquisition strategies, mergers, expansions of publishers, and changing user preferences.

ROI on Streaming Media

  • ChatGPT can assist in analyzing the growth of streaming media in academic libraries and identifying the factors driving this growth. Using natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, ChatGPT can provide insights into the reasons for the shift towards streaming media, such as changes in acquisition strategies, mergers, expansions of publishers, and changing user preferences. 
  • ChatGPT can also assist in identifying the challenges libraries face in adapting to the digital transition, such as the need to adopt efficient and user-friendly online information services and the evolving role of librarians in the digital age.
  • ChatGPT can provide insights into the optimal level of streaming media needed to support research, teaching, and the overall development of campus faculty, staff, and students. 
  • ChatGPT can also assist in identifying potential limits on further growth in streaming media, such as finite acquisitions budgets and ongoing preferences for print or other material types among some library users.
Web-Scale Discovery

ChatGPT can assist in analyzing the impact of web-scale discovery services and other changes in the online information environment of academic libraries. Using natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, ChatGPT can provide insights into the reasons for developing discovery tools, such as the need to meet user expectations for powerful search engines like Google and Yahoo. ChatGPT can also assist in identifying the challenges libraries face in adapting to the new environment, such as the need to provide user-friendly and efficient discovery tools while also managing the complex electronic resource life cycle.
  • ChatGPT can provide insights into the optimal level of investment in web-scale discovery services and other new technologies needed to support research, teaching, and the overall development of faculty, staff, and students on campus. 
  • ChatGPT can also assist in identifying potential limits on further investment in these technologies, such as finite budgets and ongoing preferences for traditional access methods among some library users.
  • ChatGPT can also help explain the potential benefits and drawbacks of different discovery tools and their impact on library users' expectations and needs.
Additionally, ChatGPT can assist with exploring the various partnerships and collaborations between libraries and technology vendors that have led to the development and enhancement of discovery tools and services.

Unleashing Federated Search Data

ChatGPT is equipped to provide comprehensive insights into the technological and infrastructural aspects of these federated search tools and other discovery services, as well as their impact on the development of academic libraries. 

The model can further assist in analyzing the opportunities and challenges of implementing these tools, including the need for robust metadata and the potential for customization to align with the requirements of specific subject domains. 

  • ChatGPT can provide valuable information on the evolution of these tools over time and their position within the broader context of information discovery in the digital age.
  • ChatGPT can assist in evaluating and optimizing discovery tools by analyzing and comparing their features, functionalities, and user feedback and providing recommendations for improvement and customization.
  • ChatGPT can also help develop new algorithms and models to improve discovery tools' accuracy, relevance, and efficiency and integrate new information resources and technologies into the discovery environment.
Furthermore, it can also assist in the training and support of librarians and users on how to use discovery tools effectively and efficiently, as well as in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues related to their use.

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