AI is undeniably the game-changing technology of the moment, influencing various sectors from academia to hospitality. While ethical concerns such as data privacy and misinformation are significant, AI’s advancements are here to stay. As it becomes more sophisticated, improving our AI literacy is essential. Libraries, in particular, have found that integrating AI can enhance and streamline their services.
Libraries and AI: enhancing services
Around the world, organisations are learning to assess the benefits and challenges of evolving AI tools. Libraries are at the forefront of evaluating their significance in the information realm. Public libraries can leverage AI in several beneficial ways, as outlined by the Urban Libraries Council:
- Practical Applications: Use AI tools for performance improvements and program design.
- Prompt Engineering: Utilise librarians’ skills in keyword search to improve information retrieval.
- Information Literacy: Offer workshops for staff and patrons to learn AI tools, such as generating stories or poetry.
- Digital Inclusion: Create networks to ensure equitable access to AI’s economic benefits.
- Responsible AI Use: Advocate for AI applications that benefit the community and uphold standards of education and access.
Examples of AI in libraries
- Santa Ana Public Library (SAPL): Launched the Robots in Residence program to provide young people, especially those with autism, the chance to interact with AI robots like Moxie. These robots help build social-emotional skills and provide access to technology that might otherwise be inaccessible due to financial constraints.
- Gwinnett County Public Schools: Established an AI-oriented curriculum at Seckinger High School, where students use AI tools for research and presentations. The district emphasises understanding AI’s impact on future careers and responsible use of generative AI.
- Kansas State University: Opened an AI Studio offering access to generative AI platforms and programming resources. The studio encourages exploration of AI’s ethical implications and practical applications.
- Montana State University Library: Leads a project to guide librarians through ethical concerns related to AI, emphasising values like privacy and intellectual freedom.
- San José State University: Deployed Kingbot, an AI chatbot that provides after-hours support for library services, enhancing user engagement and promoting library resources.
Benefits for Librarians
AI tools offer several advantages to library staff:
- Enhanced Search and Discovery: AI-powered search engines and recommendation systems help find resources more efficiently by analysing user preferences and content metadata.
- Optimising Collection Development: AI analyses data like circulation statistics and usage patterns to inform decisions about resource management and acquisitions.
- User Services: AI chatbots handle routine inquiries, freeing up librarians for more complex tasks and offering 24/7 assistance.
- Content Creation and Curation: AI assists in tagging, summarising, and enriching digital content, improving its discoverability and usability.
Benefits for visitors
Library users also gain from AI integration in several ways:
- Personalised Recommendations: AI systems analyse reading habits to suggest new books and authors, enhancing the reading experience.
- Improved Search and Discovery: AI provides more accurate search results, making information retrieval easier.
- 24/7 Assistance: AI chatbots offer round-the-clock help with questions and research inquiries.
- Accessibility: AI helps patrons with disabilities through alternative formats like audio books and text-to-speech capabilities. Platforms like PressReader offer features to meet accessibility standards.
- Language Translation: AI translation tools help non-native speakers access materials and services, promoting inclusivity.
- Data Analysis for Collection Development: AI identifies trends and preferences to aid librarians in making informed decisions about acquisitions.
- Virtual Programming and Events: AI powers virtual reality experiences, online workshops, and interactive storytelling, allowing remote engagement.
- Content Curation: AI helps in tagging, categorising, and organising materials, making it easier for patrons to find relevant resources.
The integration of AI in public libraries can significantly enhance the patron experience, improve accessibility, and optimise library operations, ensuring libraries remain vital in the digital age.
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