Law libraries operate in an environment of constant change, where patron expectations, staffing needs, budget realities, and technological advances all require proactive planning rather than reactive responses. Traditional environmental scanning supports this work but is time-intensive and requires familiarity with planning methods that many librarians have not had formal opportunities to develop. Strategic foresight offers a more structured and proactive alternative. It is a futures-oriented planning method that actively seeks out weak signals, those early and often ambiguous indicators that a significant shift may be on the horizon, rather than simply projecting forward from current conditions. This orientation makes it a particularly effective foundation for library strategic plans that must account for rapidly evolving technology, user needs, and information landscapes.

Generative AI tools make strategic foresight more accessible than ever, particularly for librarians who are new to the method. Tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Claude can rapidly scan large information landscapes, surface weak signals across multiple domains, and synthesize early indicators into usable planning inputs.

This session offers a practical, hands-on approach to using GenAI in law library strategic planning. No prior experience with strategic foresight required. Attendees will see real prompting techniques for horizon scanning, clustering signals, and translating emerging trends into actionable insights tied to institutional priorities. Participants will leave with concrete methods they can apply immediately in their own planning workflows, regardless of their prior experience with strategic foresight.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This program is designed for law library professionals involved in planning, innovation, or service development at all levels.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Understand the fundamentals of strategic foresight and how weak signal scanning supports proactive law library strategic planning.
2. Apply practical GenAI prompting techniques to identify, cluster, and interpret weak signals from diverse information sources.
3. Evaluate risks, limitations, and validation strategies when using AI-generated insights in organizational decision-making.

SPEAKER:

• Nicole Belbin, Associate Dean for Library & Information Resources, Western New England University School of Law
• June Hsiao Liebert, Director of Information Services, O'Melveny & Myers LLP

AALL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS: Research + Analysis, Management + Business Acumen

All AALL webinars include live captioning services.

The opinions shared during this program represent the views of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Recording, capturing, or using AI tools to duplicate, transcribe, or otherwise reproduce an AALL program in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from AALL. This includes, but is not limited to audio, video, or any other content shared. By attending an AALL program or accessing an AALL recording, you agree to adhere to this policy.