When generative AI redefines student library expectations
Case study: Public Affairs
Objective
The CIVICA Alliance wanted to understand students’ usage of library services and publications to help its libraries adapt to the challenges brought about by AI and new ways of accessing information.
Approach
An approach combining interviews with stakeholders and a conversational quantitative survey among more than 2,000 students made it possible to compare perspectives and practices.
Impact
Analyses revealed the rapid evolution of AI-related practices and provided concrete strategies for adapting library services and student services.
In-depth exploration of usages & attitudes related to libraries and publications in the age of AI
Framing of the study
A framing phase enabled to position the study within its academic and publication-related context. An analysis of prior research and available data enabled to clarify the key issues and identify the criteria for sample representativeness.
Understanding needs on the ground
Qualitative interviews were conducted with the alliance’s stakeholders: library administrators, librarians, teaching staff, and CIVICA representatives. This phase provided an opportunity to compare perspectives and refine the questionnaire based on real-world experiences.
Deep-dive into student practices
A conversational quantitative survey was conducted among more than 2,000 students from the CIVICA alliance. This flexible methodology, designed for a young audience, made it possible to analyze their usages & attitudes related to publications according to their profiles, fields of study, and academic levels.
This study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first to provide such a comprehensive picture of student usages and attitudes following the emergence of AI. It serves as a valuable foundation for future research.
Cécile Touitou
Head of the Sciences Po Strategic Planning Unit
New roadmap for libraries
By providing a detailed analysis of student usages and attitudes in the age of AI, this study enabled CIVICA to make more informed decisions regarding its library services. It helped improve support systems, anticipate new usages, address perceived risks to learning, and strengthen the role of libraries in a rapidly evolving information environment.
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