Mohammad AlHamad, e-resources strategist for the Missouri State University Libraries, has been selected to be an IMLS Fellow at the 2022 IDEA (Innovation, Disruption, Enquiry, Access) Institute on Artificial Intelligence to be held at UT-Austin in July.

According to the IDEA website:

“IDEA (Innovation, Disruption, Enquiry, Access) Institute on AI is a one-week intensive, interactive, evidence based and applications-oriented professional development program for library and information professionals funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. The Institute will  create two cohorts of Fellows through the nationwide efforts of recruiting library and information professionals who represent diverse socio-demographic backgrounds, types of positions, types of libraries, and capacities of implementing AI in their workplace.

The purpose of the IDEA Institute is to build and enhance the knowledge and skills of current and future library and information professionals in AI through developing theoretical (conceptual) and practical experiences in a collaborative learning environment. This Institute also aims to build a collective community of AI leaders in which Fellows will bring and share their work experience and professional practice to design, develop, evaluate, and implement AI solutions for their workplaces.”

Mohammad AlHamad is enthusiastically interested in leveraging AI and other technologies to improve library operations and the user experience. He has a rare combination of big, forward thinking ideas, practical implementation skills, enthusiasm, and the drive to see initiatives through.

Congratulations, Mohammad.