2026-27 Book of the Year

 Isaac Asimov’s visionary work, I, Robot, is an example of a Big Idea by a Big Thinker.  It also stands as a testament to the power of foresight. Written in the 1950s, Asimov’s stories did more than just envision a future world; they predicted the very ethical and technological dilemmas we face today.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San José State University embraces Isaac Asimov's visionary spirit by diving into the world of artificial intelligence while maintaining a critical, scholarly perspective. What is the role of AI in our lives? What are the potential gains or losses from its adoption? Who should hold the power that AI provides, and what limits--if any--should be set? For SJSU students, how will AI reshape their fields of study and careers in science, art, business, and politics? 

The Office of Undergraduate Education has provided free copies of I, Robot to all first-year SJSU students during orientation.  (If you didn’t get a copy, let us know!)  Beginning in the fall of 2026, UE will host events where students and faculty can discuss today’s innovative but disruptive world of AI, and maybe even come up with some Big Ideas of their own.  Stay tuned and join the discussion!

Learn more about the author, Isaac Asimov (Britannica Encyclopedia).

Digital copies are available through the SJSU King Library database and on Libby