Why AI literacy belongs in every library’s learning strategy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer on the horizon—it’s here, embedded in daily life and redefining the way we work, learn and innovate. Whether it’s chatbots writing code, AI-powered tools revolutionizing healthcare or machine learning optimizing business strategies, the impact of AI is undeniable.

The workforce of tomorrow won’t just need traditional digital literacy - they’ll need AI literacy. How do we ensure that students and professionals aren’t just passive users of AI but skilled navigators of its potential?

The AI Skills Gap

The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 paints a clear picture: while AI and automation will create 78 million new jobs by 2030, they will also render many existing roles obsolete, leading to significant workforce transitions. As a result, the need for digital skills, particularly in AI, has never been greater. Research from the Economist Intelligence Unit and trends reported by the American Library Association reinforce this, emphasizing how crucial AI literacy is for career success across nearly every field.

O’Reilly 2025 Tech Trends Report highlights this trend even further, with 62% of professionals in marketing, finance and HR actively learning AI and machine learning, 53% focusing on cybersecurity and 49% improving their data analysis skills to stay competitive. The demand for AI-related skills is soaring and the skills gap is widening as technology continues to evolve.

Libraries: The Gateway to AI Literacy

As librarian Nick Tanzi notes in The Library’s Value in the Age of AI, “AI represents the bleeding edge of media and information literacy (and some say represents its own form of literacy; AI literacy).” Libraries are essential hubs of knowledge and learning in an increasingly complex digital world, offering resources, training and expert support that empower individuals to navigate the changing landscape of work and technology.

Libraries are uniquely positioned to help their patrons, learners and communities recognize and scrutinize AI-generated content. Organizations like the American Library Association and the International Federation of Library Associations stress the importance of AI education, urging libraries to lead the way in digital skills development.

Many libraries are already rising to the challenge. According to our 2024 Pulse of the Library report, over 60% are actively planning or integrating AI - whether it's enhancing content discovery or offering additional training resources for both staff and users.

To support these evolving needs, libraries can benefit from trusted partners that provide reliable, expert-led resources. One such solution is O’Reilly for Higher Education – a platform designed to help institutions equip their communities with future-ready skills.

Why O’Reilly for Higher Education?

As AI content continues to proliferate, having access to curated, credible learning materials is more important than ever. O’Reilly offers a deep and trusted collection of content, empowering libraries to guide students through the complexities of AI and digital transformation.

“GenAI isn’t just for technologists — it’s for everyone.”
— Mary Treseler, former Chief Content Officer, O’Reilly Media

O'Reilly for Higher Education offers a comprehensive collection of business and technology content, including materials aimed at enhancing AI literacy among students and researchers. O’Reilly’s award-winning learning platform provides expert-led, real-world content on today's most in-demand skills like including artificial intelligence, software development, and data science.

The platform is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice through, for example, hands-on tech training and insights into ethical AI adoption and responsible research practices. It also offers micro-credentials and certifications to enhance employability and academic success, empowering the next generation of AI-ready graduates and researchers.

Some notable titles in the field of AI available on O'Reilly for Higher Education include "ChatGPT: Possibilities and Pitfalls" and "Introduction to Generative AI." These titles provide learners with early access to emerging knowledge and are part of the platform's Early Releases program, which allows libraries to access pre-publication books and stay ahead of industry trends.

By incorporating O'Reilly for Higher Education into their offerings, libraries can help students build essential AI skills and graduate better prepared for tomorrow's workforce. Rated 4.33/5 by The Charleston Advisor and trusted by top tech leaders, it’s an invaluable resource for those looking to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving field of AI.

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