Global AI Initiatives: from Theory to Practice

ABSTRACT Information Sciences is deeply invested in improving the future of AI globally. Information science researchers provide a critical voice in the growth of AI by bringing in perspectives related to AI Ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, and AI education for all. AI is seeping into everyday life and is often a source of concern for people whose lives are impacted. The concerns of losing employment, inequitable access, and biases create a fear of AI among people. Library and information science educators and researchers have a rich history of working with local communities and representing local contexts. This experience places us in an important position to understand and evaluate AI applications and their varied impact in different contexts; for example, the same library‐related AI application would have different results in Europe versus Africa. However, AI and its applications in the global context are yet to be discussed and understood in the information science community.