Last month’s conference by the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) seems to have missed its usual mark. Reflecting on the event, there was a feeling of disjointedness, less akin to the ‘unconferences’ it was likened to and more an illustration of a lack of direction and cohesion. An encounter with a fellow attendee highlighted that many felt it didn’t coalesce into an event with a cohesive theme and clear purpose.
Looking back, this conference has been known as one of the foremost legal technology gatherings. And yet, this year, it lacked the usual vibrancy and direction. Why might that be?
The conference’s physical layout may have been a contributing factor. The sprawling convention center, split across multiple hotels, led to the conference feeling fragmented. This distancing effect even extended to the exhibitor hall, where spatial division caused the relatively small number of exhibitors to seem even fewer and more isolated.
However, a more significant concern was the undercurrent of apprehension permeating the event. The cause? The swift advent of generative AI within the legal profession and the resultant uncertainty. According to a recent survey by Wolters Kluwer and Above the Law, a majority of legal professionals believe this technology threatens the professions of librarians and information professionals, casting them towards potential obsolescence.
Many would dispute this belief, arguing that the age of AI makes the role of legal-information professionals even more essential. Nevertheless, the sense of insecurity was palpable at the conference, undermining its usual vibrant and forward-thinking atmosphere.
Uncertainty regarding generative AI seemed to pervade even the conference’s organized sessions. Panels with noted experts on the topic often veered into redundancy, with speakers delivering talks that seemed to have little new to say about the quickly evolving tech.
Despite the negative tone, it’s important not to overlook the opportunity this situation presents. Law librarians and other information professionals have a chance to leverage this moment of uncertainty, stepping forward to actively shape the future of generative AI within the industry. The conference served as a stark reminder that these professionals must move beyond the fear of the unknown and actively participate in guiding the shaping of this new terrain.
Read further about these reflections here.