Becoming AI ready: A collaborative journey for teachers and school library staff

In the continually evolving landscape of education, where generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools are increasingly integrated into educational technologies and learning environments, the imperative for educators to become AI ready is undeniable. While initial responses to GAI involved locking down platforms such as ChatGPT, it is obvious that this technology is or soon will be embedded within the spaces used every day by teachers and students. Being AI ready does not demand a mastery of advanced computational techniques, rather, an understanding of AI's basic principles, and the time and space to think critically about the ethical questions, opportunities and challenges it brings. The partnership between teachers and their school library staff is crucial in considering how GAI may change approaches to teaching and learning, how students might be encouraged to use AI thoughtfully and constructively and how a balance can be achieved between the use of GAI platforms and fostering deep, critical thinking abilities (Luckin et al., 2022; Southgate et al., 2018).