Makerere University

College of computing and information science

Eastern African school of library and information science
Programme: BLIS -Evening

Course name: Information technology 11

Course code: BLS 1211

Year: one semester two

Lecturer: Madam Muzaki Fridah

Name Reg.no Students. no Sign

Mirembe Linda 23/u/11306/EVE 2300711306

Kitali Sharifa 23/u/10096/PSA 230010096

Kansiime Evelyn 23/u/08964/EVE 2300708964

Apio Quinn lovincer 23/u/06326/EVE 2300706326

Questions

1. What is Artificial intelligence

2. Give 10 examples of common Artificial intelligence
3. What are the benefits of Artificial intelligence
4. What are the risks of Artificial intelligence
5. Using relevant examples, explain 10 common general applications /
uses of Artificial intelligence in different sectors
6. Explain the ethical concerns surrounding Artificial intelligence
7. Using relevant examples, explain the application of Artificial
intelligence in LIS work.
Solutions

Question 1
Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence that processes by
machines, especially computer systems that are programmed to think, learn and
perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. Specific applications of artificial
intelligence include expert systems, natural language processing, and speech
recognition and machine vision.

Question 2

Face recognition: Many smartphones and devices use face recognition for security and
convenience, such as unlocking your phone with face ID.

Smart cars: Al powered driver assist technologies and self-driving cars are becoming
more common, improving safety and efficiency on roads.

Digital assistants: Al powered digital assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google assistant help
users with tasks, answer question and provide information.

Entertainment and social apps: Al algorithms are used in entertainment and social aps
to recommend content, personalise user experience and facilitate communication.

Banking: Al is used in banking for security, fraud detection and personalised services,
such as low balance alerts and online banking.

Voice to text converters: Al powered voice to text converters convert speech into text,
making it easier to type and use applications.

Chatbots: Advanced Chatbots use natural language processing to simulate human

conversations, providing support and assistance.

Maps and navigation Al powered maps and navigation apps provide real time traffics
updates, route suggestions, and other travel related information such as Google maps.

Text editors or autocorrect: AI algorithms are used in text editors and autocorrect tools
to identify and correct grammar, spelling and other language errors.

Facial detection and recognition: Al is used in facial detection and recognition systems
for security, surveillance and identification purposes.

Question 3

End to end efficiency. Al eliminates friction and improves analytics and resource
utilization across your organisation, resulting in significant cost reductions. It can also
automate complex processes and minimise downtime by predicting maintenance needs.

Improved accuracy and decision making. Al augments human intelligence with rich
analytics and pattern predictions capabilities to improve the quality, effectiveness, and
creativity of employee decision.
Intelligent offerings. Because machines think differently from humans, they can uncover
gaps and opportunities in the market more quickly; helping you introduce new
products, services, channels, and business models with a level of speed and quality
wasn’t possible before.

Empowered employees. Al can tackle mundane activities while employees spend time
on more fulfilling high value tasks. By fundamentally changing the way work is done
and reinforcing the role of people to drive growth, Al is projected to boost labour
productivity. Using Al can also unlock the incredible potential of talent with disabilities,
while helping all workers thrive.

Job enhancement. Al can help less experienced workers enhance their productivity
more quickly, and younger workers may find it easier to exploit opportunities.

Reduction in human error. Al can significantly reduce errors and increase accuracy and
precision, leading to better outcomes in various applications.

Automation. Al can automate repetitive tasks, improving efficiency and productivity in

various industries.

24/7 availability. Al powered systems can operate continuously, providing constant

support and assistance.

Medical progression. Al is used in medical diagnosis, treatment planning, and drug

discovery, improving patient care and outcomes.

Research and development. Al is used in various research fields, such as climate science,
to analyse large datasets and provide insights for decision making.

Question 4

Lack of transparency. Al systems can be complex and difficult to understand, maki9ng it

challenging to identify and address potential issues.

Bias and discrimination. Al algorithms can be biased and discriminatory, leading to

unfair outcomes and perpetuating social inequalities.

Privacy concerns. Al technologies can collect and analyse personal data, raising
concerns about privacy and security.

Ethical implications. Al can be used in ways that raise ethical concerns, such as
autonomous weapons or manipulating public disclosure.

Security risks. As Al technologies become more sophisticated, the security risks

associated with use and potential for misuse also increase, including the development of
more advanced cyberattacks.

Job displacements. Al automation can displace human workers leading to job losses and
economic disruption.
Social impact. Al can have unintended consequences and impact social relationships
potentially undermining trust and social cohesion.

Unintended consequences. Al systems, due to their complexity and lack of human

oversight might exhibit unexpected behaviours or make decisions with unforeseen
outcomes.

Techno-solutionism. The view that Al can be seen as a panacea when it is merely a tool
can lead overreliance on Al and neglect of other solutions.

Al programmed for harm. There is a risk that Al systems could be programmed for
malicious purposes, such as autonomous weapons or cyberattacks.

Al developing destructive behaviours. There is a hypothetical risk that Al could develop

destructive behaviours or become uncontrollable, posing a threat to humans.

Concentration of power. The risk of Al development being dominated by a small number

of large corporations and governments could exacerbate inequality and limit diversity
in Al applications. Encouraging decentralised and collaborative Al development is a key
to avoiding a concentration of power.

Loss of human connection. Increasing reliance on Al driven communication and

interactions could lead to diminished empathy, social skills, an human connections. To
preserve the essence of our social nature, we must strive to maintain a balance between
technology and human interaction.

Misinformation and manipulation. Al generated content, such as deepfakes, contributes

to the spread of false information and the manipulation of public option. Efforts to
detect and combat Al generated misinformation are critical in preserving the integrity
of information in the digital age.

Question 5
Healthcare. Al is revolutionizing the healthcare industry by improving diagnostics,
treatment plans, and patient care. Machine learning algorithms can analyse vast
amounts of medical data to detect patterns and identify potential diseases at an early
stage. Al powered robots assist in surgeries, delivering precision and reducing human
errors. Virtual nursing assistants provide personalised care and reminders to patients.
Al also plays a vital role in drug discovery, clinical trials, and genomics research.

Finance. The financial sector benefits from Al in various ways; Al algorithms analyse
market trends, predict stocks prices, and identify investment opportunities. Fraud
detection systems leverage Al to identify suspicious transactions and prevent financial
crimes. Chatbots and virtual assistants handle customer queries, provide financial
advice and streamline banking operations.

Manufacturing. Manufacturing processes are becoming more efficient and productive

with the integration of Al technologies. Al powered robots automate repetitive tasks on
assembly lines, resulting in improved precision and reduced errors. Predictive
maintenance systems leverage machine learning to detect equipment failures in
advance, minimising downtime and optimising production. Al also enhance quality
control, supply chain management and forecasting in manufacturing.

Retail. Al has transformed the retail industry by enabling personalised customer

experiences and improving operational efficiency. Recommendation systems analyse
customer data to provide tailored product suggestions, increasing sales and customer
satisfaction. Al powered Chatbots assist customers with inquires, provide support , and
facilitate seamless shopping experiences. Computer vision technology enables cashier
less checkouts systems, reducing waiting times.

Transportation. The transportation industry is embracing Al to optimize logistics,

enhance safety, and improve traffic management. Al algorithms analyse traffic patterns
and optimize route planning, reducing congestion and fuel consumption. Autonomous
vehicles powered by Al technology offer safer and more efficient transportation options.
Al based productive maintenance systems ensure timely repairs and minimise
disruptions in transportation networks.

Education. Al powered educational technology encompasses tools for teachers, students

and administrators. Educational games, adaptive learning platforms such as zoom,
YouTube, Chatbots and intelligent tutoring systems provide individualised support for
learners. Automated grading, feedback and planning programs cater to educational
professional.

E–commerce. Al is the forefront of a major shift in the e-commerce industry. It enhances

the online shopping experience by offering personalized product recommendations
based on customer preferences, optimizing inventory management, management, and
reducing fraud risks through pattern analysis. This protects businesses and consumers
from financial losses and improves overall shopping experiences.

Robotics. Al has become an essential component in the evolution of robotics. It enables

robots to comprehend and respond to their environment in ways previously only
achievable with human intervention. Through advancements in machine learning,
computer vision, and natural language processing, robots can now identify and
manipulate, navigate autonomously, and understand spoken language.

Agriculture. Al is poised to revolutionize agriculture, offering advancements in precision

farming, soil analysis, and crop monitoring. This could lead to increased yields and more
sustainable farming practices. For instance, an Al driven application, uses image
recognition to identify potential defects or nutrient deficiencies in soil. This provides
farmers with valuable insights into the health of their land, leading to more effective
and sustainable farming practices.

Astronomy. Al is increasingly instrumental in the field of astronomy, offering diverse

and innovative applications. It aids astronomers in analysing extensive datasets from
telescopes, uncovering critical information that human researchers may otherwise
overlook.
Question 6
Bias. Ai systems can inherit biases present in their training data, leading to unfair or
discriminatory outcomes. This can reinforce existing inequalities and perpetuate
discrimination against certain groups such as racial, gender, or socioeconomic bias.

Privacy. The collection and analysis of vast amounts of personal data Al applications
raise concerns about the invasion of privacy. Here is a need for clear regulations and
safeguards to protect individuals’ sensitive information.

Job displacement. Automation through Al technologies can lead to job displacement in

various industries. Preparing the workforce for these changes and addressing potential
job loss is a significant ethnical concern.

Accountability. It can be challenging to determine who is responsible when Al systems

make mistakes or cause harm. Ensuring accountability and transparency in Al decision
making processes is essential.

Safety and security. Al system can be vulnerable to hacking and manipulation, posing
security risks. Ensuring the safety and robustness of Al systems is crucial especially in
critical applications like autonomous vehicles or healthcare.

Deceptive use. Al can be used to create deepfake content, misinformation, or malicious

applications. This raises concerns about the potential for deception and misuse of Al
technologies.

Lake of regulations. The rapid development of Al has outpaced regulationory

frameworks in many counties. Ethical concerns arise when there is insufficient
oversight and regulation of Al applications.

Algorithmic accountability. Ensuring that algorithms are designed and implemented

ethically is challenging, and there is a need for guidelines and standards to govern Al
development and deployment.

Discriminatory Al applications. Al systems can be used for surveillance, predictive

policing, and other applications that disproportionately impact marginalised
communities, leading to concerns about civil liberties and discrimination.

Digital divide and inequality. The unequal distribution of technology can lead to
socioeconomic and geographical disparities, affecting individuals and communities.

Question 7
Smart recommendation systems. Al powered recommendation systems revolutionize
how libraries organise and present corrections. The systems analyse user preference,
borrowing history, and reading patterns to suggest personalized reading lists and
relevant resources. This approach simplifies the discovery of materials and enhances
user engagement and satisfaction.

Chatbots and virtual assistants. Chatbots driven by Al, provide immediate assistance to
users by answering inquiries, guiding them through library resources and assisting in
navigating the library’s digital and physical spaces. These virtual assistants significally
improve accessibility by ensuring users can obtain information and support around the
clock.

Automated administrative tasks. Al can automate routine administrative tasks such as

handling book reservations, managing due dates, and generating overdue notifications.
This automation allows library staff to focus more on assisting patrons, curating
collections and developing programs to enrich user experience.

Natural language processing for research. Al aids in research and reference services by
assisting users in formulating search queries and extracting relevant information from
vast academic databases and digital libraries. This capability accelerates the research
process and enriches the quality of information retrieved.

Enhanced accessibility for people with disabilities. Al is vital for individuals with
disabilities. Text to speech and speech to text capabilities improve accessibility for
visually impaired or those with reading difficulties. Al driven image recognition
facilitates the description of visual content, making it accessible for those with visual
impairments.

Data analytics for collection development. Al powered data analytics assist libraries in
collection development by providing insights into the usage of patterns of various
resources. Analysing this data helps make informed decisions about acquiring and
retaining materials, ensuring the library’s collection remains relevant and aligned with
user interests.

Preservation and restoration of materials. Al technologies such as optical character

recognition (OCR) and content analysis, aid in digitization efforts, preserving rare and
fragile materials. Additionally, Al facilitates the restoration of old or damaged texts,
maintaining historical records for future generations.

Education program customization. Al algorithms help customise educational programs

and workshops based on users’ specific needs and preferences. This personalisation
enhances engagement and ensures that library programs align with the educational
objectives each user.

Virtual reality experiences. Al driven VR technologies offer immersive experiences

within libraries allowing users to virtually explore library spaces, attend events or
engage with digital collections. These experiences augment user engagement and
attract a broader audience.

Language translation services. Al based language translation services with libraries

break language barriers, making resources accessible globally. Patrons can access
content in their preferred language, promoting inclusivity and diversity.

References

Retrieved on 26/Jan/2024.What is Artificial intelligence? Techtargethttps://www.tectarget.com

Mubarak. M (2023) retrieved on 26/Jan/2024.examples of common Artificial intelligence. ClaySys
Technologies. https://www.claysys.com

Retrieved on 26/Jan/2024.benefits of Artificial intelligencehttps://www.accenture. Com.

WalkMe.T (2023) retrieved on 26/Jan/2024.risks of artificial intelligence.

Forbes.https;//www.forbes.com.

Retrieved on 26/Jan/2024. Uses of Artificial intelligence in different sectors. Passionate

design agency. https://passionates.com.

Retrieved on 26/Jan/2024.ethical concerns surrounding Artificial intelligence. Quora,

https://www.quora.com.

Retrieved on 26/Jan/2024.applicatio of Artificial intelligence in LIS work.

Lisedunetwork. https://www.lisedunetwork.com