Will Artificial Intelligence Make Your Library Smarter (Someday)?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already in use at many libraries in the form of conversational chatbots that use natural language processing, book and article recommendation software, and smart devices that track building capacity and patron movement. AI will become increasingly ubiquitous as libraries adopt AI products that provide predictive modeling for collection development, personalized AI assistance online and in the stacks, and facial recognition software that enhances security.

While AI offers a dazzling array of potential service and space enhancements, theoretically without increases in staff cost, it comes with serious patron privacy concerns, the threat of exclusionary and oppressive algorithms, and possible professional disruption. It is imperative that library professionals understand the ethical implications of AI in their workplace and are able to advocate for their patrons and themselves as AI is more widely adopted.

This session explores the current use of AI applications in academic and public libraries including the impact of AI products on patron service and librarian work life. Participants will learn about new AI tools on the horizon and how they may be applied to libraries. Participants will also be asked to engage with questions around the ethical use of AI and their comfort applying AI to library services, spaces, and collections.