The Algowatch project, focusing on expertise and literacy in the age of Artificial Intelligence, was prominently featured at the annual Library Association of Ireland and CILIP Ireland Joint Annual Conference 2025. Aphra Kerr, professor of Digital Media and Communication at University College Dublin and co-Principal Investigator on the ADAPT project and at the ADAPT Research Centre, delivered an invited keynote address on the subject on 11th April in Cork City.
Professor Kerr’s address, titled “Expertise and Literacy in the AI Era: Insights from the Algowatch project,” explored the significant opportunities and challenges that AI presents to information professionals. She highlighted the crucial role that a competency-based approach can play in effectively addressing these challenges.
The two-day annual conference, which brings together public and academic librarians from across the island of Ireland, saw over 100 attendees this year. Professor Kerr’s keynote was a key event on the second day, chaired by Julie Reid, Chair of CILIP Ireland. The talk took place at the Kingsley Hotel in Cork and was followed by a lively question and answer session, indicating strong interest from the attendees.
In the afternoon, Professor Kerr, alongside Ms F Rahiman from ADAPT, conducted a practical workshop. This session utilised resources from the Algowatch project and was attended by 22 librarians, providing them with hands-on engagement with the project’s materials.