Our place in the agentic AI loop: the value of information professional competencies

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the concept of agentic artificial intelligence (AI) and the relevance of information professional competencies to it.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on literature and a small-scale testing of the deep research services from Gemini and ChatGPT.

Findings

The eight promises that are made in the discourse around agents are elaborated, with the questions an information professional would ask. The main features of deep research agents are analysed. Information professionals are likely to be concerned about the sources of information in use and the reliability of outputs, and the wider societal impacts such as on the environment.

Research limitations/implications

The author questions how far the promises of the discourse around agents can be really delivered.

Practical implications

Information professionals should be involved in configuration of agents and training of users.

Originality/value

The paper is an early review of the trending agent/agentic AI concept.