The rapid spread of generative AI has led to widespread calls for integrating AI literacy into postsecondary education. But what, exactly, is AI literacy, and what is its relationship to other forms of information literacy? How might well-established frameworks like the ACRL’s Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education be adapted and revised to ensure that students gain the skills they will need to engage critically in civic life and build successful careers? How can libraries, centers for teaching and learning, and other university units support AI literacy for students and faculty on campus?
Ithaka S+R is convening a cohort of approximately 15 colleges and universities to define AI literacy using established information literacy frameworks and qualitative research with students and/or instructors.
Through virtual workshops, qualitative research, and a virtual design jam, the cohort will learn how the information practices and needs of students and instructors are changing and how libraries and other university units can better support those needs by incorporating AI literacy into their practices.
What you will do
- Join two virtual workshops to:
- define AI literacy, drawing on frameworks from ACRL, UNESCO, and DEC, as well as other emerging AI literacy frameworks.
- identify and prioritize focus areas for the research phase of the project and select a methodological approach for data collection
- Conduct qualitative research on your campus through focus groups or semi-structured interviews
- Participate in a virtual design jam to ideate new services or revisions to existing services
What you will gain
- Cohort coordination and peer learning across institutions
- Support and guidance from Ithaka S+R experts
- Research instruments, training, and consultation for local implementation
- Cross-institution synthesis of insights to inform campus practice
Commitment and cost
- Time: approximately two weeks of FTE total across team members
- Start date: June 2026
- Team: two to three participants, comprising at least one representative from the library. Members from centers of teaching and learning and other units welcome
- To defray costs, including coordination, consultation, and training support, each institution will make a cost-sharing contribution
Interested in participating?
Email an expression of interest to Claire Baytas (claire.baytas@ithaka.org).
Explore other open opportunities to join Ithaka S+R AI cohorts for higher education.