Opinion - Information Matters

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the most durable competitive advantage may be fundamentally human. This article introduces the concept of the “Human Stack” the layered suite of soft skills like communication, empathy, and adaptability that employees bring to an organization. While technical skills are essential for entry, it is these uniquely human capabilities that drive true differentiation and success. As automation encroaches on routine tasks, soft skills become critical differentiators that machines cannot replicate.

Opinion

December 4, 2025 Pathum B Rathnayake

Co-Pilot, Not Autopilot: Navigating the Future of Qualitative Research

Recently, a group of 3 published an open letter signed by over 400 qualitative researchers. Their message was clear: “Keep AI away from our work.” They argue that using AI to find themes in data kills the “reflexive” process, the deeply human act of interpreting nuance, emotion, and meaning. I have spent my career championing the human touch in the EdTech works and research. I understand their fear. However, I believe this total rejection is a mistake. We should not be banning Gen AI; we should be teaching researchers how to master it.

Featured Opinion

August 22, 2025 Ponego Letswalo

Can AI Have a Conscience? A Look at Ethics in Machine Learning

Can AI have a conscience? Of course, today’s AI isn’t a sentient being with feelings or guilt. It won’t lose sleep over a tough decision. But as artificial intelligence plays a bigger role in our lives, we do expect it to act responsibly. In essence, we want AI to follow ethical principles, a sort of programmed “conscience” so that it helps society without harming it. This is the crux of AI ethics, an increasingly important topic now that machine learning systems are making decisions that matter.

Education Featured International Opinion

June 2, 2025 Emmanuel Omeiza Momoh

They Published It, But Can You Read It?

At a time when global research output is booming, access remains a privilege for the few. This article explores the irony of knowledge locked behind paywalls and argues for a publishing model where research truly reaches the people who need it most. If they published it, why can’t you read it?

Featured Opinion

May 5, 2025 Alissa Centivany

The Great Canadian Breakdown: What will it take to get a “Right to Repair” in Canada?

Fixing things in Canada has never been more difficult. Smartphones, laptops, refrigerators, washing machines, smart speakers, virtual assistants, cars, bicycles, wheelchairs, pacemakers, ventilators, tractors, tanks, fighter jets, and almost every other device or piece of equipment in our homes and workplaces is more costly, more inconvenient, and more difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Barriers to repair impact all industries, sectors, and regions. No one is spared from the Great Canadian Breakdown. As breakdown becomes more pervasive, the need for a comprehensive Canadian “right to repair” becomes more critical.

Opinion

November 25, 2024 Dariush Alimohammadi

Professional Qualifications Matrix: An Ongoing Debate on Matching Information Science Education with the Market Needs

Christina J. Steffy and Meg Massey wrote in the October 2024 issue of C&RL News about a challenge that has plagued Information Science education and professional librarians for many years. They specifically focus on one job position at the American Library Association (ALA) and pose reasonable questions to all of us. Can the specialized training of library schools (even if they are innovative and have joined the iSchool movement) prepare graduates for the jobs available in the ALA? Is it not possible to find a person who is more qualified to hold the desired job among the graduates of the adjacent fields, such as Computer Science and Management? Basically, should librarians run the ALA?

Featured Frontiers Opinion

November 6, 2024 Michael Ridley

Looking Backwards to See Ahead: The Case of Expert Systems Development in Libraries

During the current moment, as generative AI dominates our thinking, both for its extraordinary performance and serious flaws, a new direction is needed. The way forward may involve looking backward. The addressing the deficiencies of generative AI would benefit from reviewing, and incorporating, some of the lessons from expert system development during the late 20th century.

Opinion

July 19, 2022 Lisa M. Given

In Its 90th Year the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Sidelined Information Professionals: Here’s How You Can Help

In early June, Australia woke to the news that the nation’s public broadcaster (the Australian Broadcasting Corporation) was making its librarians and archivists redundant.

Education Opinion

June 28, 2022 Kosmas Deligkaris

Wikis: A Viable Platform for Supporting Academic Research Operations

Modern collaborative Wiki platforms can be used to support and facilitate the research process, and to provide a starting point for the efficient implementation of a knowledge management system in academic research settings.