Academic libraries are at an inflection point: as artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes research, teaching, and institutional operations, libraries face both opportunity and uncertainty. While many leaders recognize AI’s transformative potential—from metadata creation and collections management to patron services and workflow optimization—few have systematic insight into where AI can most effectively streamline operations or how to implement these tools responsibly.
The AI in Action cohort will bring together 15–20 academic library institutions to collaboratively explore, test, and assess how AI can improve or streamline library operations. Through structured pilots, peer learning, and expert guidance from Ithaka S+R, participating libraries will identify high-impact use cases, test tools in real-world settings, and develop practical metrics for success. The cohort will produce shared case studies, implementation templates, and a sector-wide report to help libraries adopt AI in ways that advance efficiency while upholding core library values.
By the end of the program, each institution will have launched an AI pilot, clarified KPIs for sustainable adoption, and strengthened internal capacity to lead AI innovation with confidence.
Join us on Monday, April 13, at 1:00pm ET for an informational webinar sharing more about the cohort, what you can expect, and how to get involved, with time for questions.
What you will do
- Join monthly virtual cohort meetings for peer learning and shared support, as well as virtual workshops on topics including AI tools, prompt engineering, data governance, and ethical usage
- Participate in an environmental scan to better understand the current context of AI use in academic libraries (Phase 1)
- Identify one operational area for exploration (e.g., metadata generation, chatbot-based reference, scheduling, space analytics) and outline goals, metrics, and anticipated outcomes for your institution (Phase 2)
- Test and document use of AI tools on your campus through a pilot (Phase 3)
- Collaboratively analyze successes, challenges, and cross-institutional insights (Phase 4)
What you will gain
- Membership in a collaborative community of peer institutions
- Support and guidance from Ithaka S+R experts
- A shared dataset of pilot case studies from cohort members
- Templates for AI ethics, governance, and training
- A final Ithaka S+R publication reporting findings from the cohort
Commitment and cost
Launching in May 2026, this project will last 12 months and is open to research, comprehensive and community college library institutions.
Each institution will designate a Project Lead and a Core Team (2-4 staff members) from areas such as technical services, digital initiatives, metadata, assessment, or library administration. Each local team will contribute approximately four weeks full-time equivalent over the year-long project.
To defray the costs of coordinating the cohort, developing training materials, and conducting centralized research, each institution will make a cost-sharing contribution to the project.
Interested in participating?
If your institution is interested in participating, please send an expression of interest to Tracy Bergstrom (tracy.bergstrom@ithaka.org) by April 30, 2026.
Explore other open opportunities to join Ithaka S+R AI cohorts for higher education.