Inquiry, AI, and Pedagogy in the Library Classroom

Instructional librarians may be wondering how AI will impact the ways they teach inquiry and information literacy in the classroom. This paper is guided by the research question: How can librarians and educators incorporate AI into inquiry-based learning? This question is explored through a conceptual analysis of the inquiry model in education and its connection to information-seeking and behavior models in library and information science. The eight-stage Guided Inquiry Design process, based on Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process, is then used to organize a discussion around the ways that AI might be used by students and patrons, and the evolving role of the librarian. Overall, librarians have a leadership role to play in developing AI literacy and helping students, faculty, and communities understand both the potential and limitations of AI tools in the inquiry process. This paper highlights how librarians can integrate AI at different points of instruction while preserving the core values of inquiry-based education.