Subject area: AI and libraries: Enhancing services and engaging communities

Format: Webinar https://learn.webjunction.org/mod/page/view.php?id=7625

Length: 2 hours

Audience: library professionals

Organisers: OCLC (https://www.oclc.org/en/about.html?cmpid=md_ab)

Presenters: Linda W Braun, Juan Rubio, Dianne Connery

 

Reflection:

This objective of this webinar included demystifying AI (artificial intelligence) definitions, related concepts and their potential uses, understanding the role of libraries in making these tools work for their communities, and some ethical and equity considerations for librarians to consider and make transparent to our communities. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone listening to this webinar, as I admittedly carry a lot of fear, anxiety and even cynicism around AI technologies. I wanted to challenge myself and some of the preconceptions I have around AI technology while recognising that much of it is tied to having very little exposure to AI and understanding of how it can be used. As public libraries often play a vital role in exposing communities to new technologies and closing the digital divide, learning about AI and getting more comfortable with these discussions and more familiar with AI is a crucial part of my professional development.

A basic definition for AI is the science and engineering of making intelligent computers. AI incorporates machine learning which are algorithms and formulas that give computers the ability to learn from data and then make predictions and decisions. An example of AI tool that could benefit a library organisation is a machine that helps sort books. The three speakers from varying backgrounds talked about their individual journeys with AI and the way the have found value in AI technologies to support their work, creativity, productivity. For example, using Midjourney (text-to-image AI) to generate creative ideas and usable images free of copyright restrictions, or using ChatGPT to help think through ideas and wording when writing policies and proposals.

AI is taking off despite our fears, worries and resistance around these new frontiers of technology. The questions libraries are concerned with is how can we make AI beneficial to our communities, how can we make the library a natural place for people to learn about and explore AI and how can we help people to use AI smartly and successfully? As public libraries are traditionally in the business of democratising information, creativity and technology, there is a need for professionals to engage more deeply with AI as we can facilitate the process of helping our communities use it to meet their needs and to seize vocational and creative opportunities. There are endless and growing functions and uses of AI technologies that can be incorporated into daily life communicate better, brainstorm ideas, gather information, educate yourself, and plan travel. For example, ESL speakers can use ChatGPT to write letters or emails or help them refine the written communication of resumes and job applications. ChatAI.com can help with administrative tasks, developing policies or plans, finding keywords or generating summaries. Artists can use Midjourney to explore ideas for their artwork and use references for making their own work and can be supported in gaining skills how to provide prompts and engage in iterative dialogue with AI to build your ideas.

Some of the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI included the issue of bias and transparency. As library professionals we need to address the fact that many of these technologies are created and developed by white heterosexual males and critically engage with what questions do we need to be asking, and how can we open the conversation around equity with our communities. Other socio-political considerations and points of uncertainty surround AI in terms of how is it being regulated, further scrutiny of the tech companies and governments in how they decide what is ethical and what decisions are being made, and what are the ethics on a community and local level?

I gained a tonne of valuable insight from this webinar and has allowed me to deeply reflect on AI, encouraged me to try out a few different AI tools, and has given me a personal framework and philosophy around AI which emphases curiosity and focuses on the ways AI can help communities.