In this early career research project, DR. Kristina shiroma at louisiana state university's school of information studies will examine artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, adoption, and…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded Louisiana State University's School of Information Studies a $393,232 Project Grant under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313) on October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2028. Dr. Kristina Shiroma will lead an early-career research project examining artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, adoption, and perceptions among rural older adults. The project will deliver a preliminary AI literacy workshop framework co-developed with rural library partners, supported by qualitative research findings from structured interviews with older adults regarding their AI literacy perceptions, conceptualizations, and challenges.

Project deliverables include comprehensive data analysis of interview findings and dissemination activities through peer-reviewed publications, professional conferences, and professional networks. The workshop framework is designed to be scalable and adaptable for implementation in broader community settings beyond the rural populations initially studied. This research contributes to academic discourse on AI literacy within the context of older adults' technology engagement and addresses critical gaps in understanding how rural populations access and perceive emerging technologies, directly supporting IMLS's mission to develop library and information science professionals equipped to meet community information needs.

In this early career research project, DR. Kristina shiroma at louisiana state university's school of information studies will examine artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, adoption, and perceptions among rural older adults. Project activities include interviews with older adults to identify AI literacy perceptions, conceptualizations, and challenges; data analysis; CO-development of a preliminary workshop framework with participants and rural library partners; and dissemination through professional networks, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications. The research will contribute to academic discourse on AI literacy within the context of older adults' perspectives of and experiences with emerging technology. Through the development of a tailored AI literacy workshop framework, the project will not only meet the specific needs of rural populations but also create a scalable model with significant implications for AI literacy, education, and engagement in broader community settings.