Written by Jeremiah Coca
Researchers from the Florida State University (FSU) School of Information will bring their work to an international audience this week at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T). Held in Bangkok, Thailand, November 6th through the 10th, the conference brings together information science researchers and practitioners from around the world to exchange ideas and explore emerging questions shaping the field.
This year’s theme, “Crossing Boundaries: Advancing Global Dialogue and Well-being through Information Research and Practice,” reflects the increasingly interconnected role of information in society. FSU-affiliated research being featured addresses several dimensions of that conversation, including human interaction with artificial intelligence, information well-being and the evolving role of libraries in their communities.
A team of six FSU researchers will present “Generative AI as Cognitive Partner: Information Wellbeing Through Distributed Cognition in Collaborative Information Practice.” Coauthored by Shuyuan Mary Ho, Sumra Anis, Akerke Kuanysh, Subhasree Sengupta, Ghazal Hussain and Rasleen Kaur, the paper examines the relationship between generative AI, collaborative information practices and information well-being. The work done by these researchers contribute to a growing conversation about how people engage with AI tools. These tools are being used not simply as technologies that provide answers, but as participants in the ways people process, interpret and use information.
This year also features research by Margaret A. Sullivan, who, alongside Sein Oh of Louisiana State University, will present “Frontline vs Leadership Perspectives in Libraries Responding to the Opioid Crisis.” This project brings attention to the different perspectives that shape how libraries respond to complex community challenges, highlighting the importance of understanding both the experiences of library personnel and the priorities of organizational leadership.
Sullivan and Isis Malcolm are also listed as coauthors of the poster “Library Social Workers Responding to Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs in Their Communities.” Together, these projects underscore the important role libraries can play beyond traditional information services, particularly as community institutions navigate sensitive and evolving social needs.
Additional FSU participation includes the alternative event “Talking About How We Use AI: Ethical Reflection, Research Practice, and Boundary-Setting Across Information Science,” which brings researchers together to consider the ethical questions and professional considerations surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in research.
Across these contributions, there is a theme found amongst them all. Information research is not confined to technology or information systems alone. It also examines the people, communities and institutions that interact with them.
As the iSchool continues to advance research, scholarship and professional engagement, opportunities like ASIS&T provide an important platform to share that work, build international connections and contribute to the future of the information field.