AI in Libraries: Unlocking the Potential for Public Libraries

AI and Libraries: Applications, Implications, and Possibilities

Opening Keynote at the Library 2.0 Mini-Conference

Introduction

The Library 2.0 mini-conference titled "AI and Libraries: Applications, Implications, and Possibilities" was held, featuring an opening keynote panel discussion. The conference was organized by San Jose State University's School of Information, with special thanks extended to Dr. Sandra Hirsh and Dr. Anthony Chow for their leadership. The keynote was moderated by Dr. Raymond Pun, an academic and research librarian at Alder Graduate School of Education and a prominent figure in the field.

Panelists

The panel consisted of esteemed professionals from various library settings:

• Ida Mae Craddock: School Librarian at Albemarle County Public Schools' Community Lab Schools in Virginia.
• Dr. Brandy McNeil: Deputy Director of Programs and Services at the New York Public Library.
• Dr. Leo Lo: Dean and Professor of the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences at the University of New Mexico.

AI in Different Library Contexts

Public Libraries

Dr. Brandy McNeil discussed how public libraries are integrating AI to enhance both internal and external operations. Key applications include:

• Automating FAQs and email responses.
• Assisting with customer complaints and inquiries.
• Creating curriculum outlines and scheduling.
• Cataloging books and ensuring data accuracy.
• Offering information literacy classes on AI basics.

She highlighted the establishment of an AI committee at the New York Public Library, modeled after the Library of Congress's phases of AI—understanding, experimenting, and implementing. The committee explores AI tools like Whisper AI and the Devon software (an AI software engineer), and collaborates with institutions like the Library of Congress.

School Libraries

Ida Mae Craddock shared insights from the school library perspective, noting that school librarians are often the first to encounter and integrate new technologies. AI is being used for:

• Generating essays and leveling texts to match student reading levels.
• Translating materials to make curriculum accessible to non-native English speakers.
• Creating custom educational materials quickly.
• Processing data and scheduling.

She emphasized the importance of policies guiding AI use in schools, particularly regarding student data privacy and compliance with laws like FERPA.

Academic Libraries

Dr. Leo Lo discussed the exploration of AI in academic libraries, particularly generative AI. The University of New Mexico initiated a GPT-4 exploration program involving staff from different units with varying levels of AI expertise. Applications included:

• Generating alt text for images and editing bibliographies.
• Developing machine-readable data management plans.
• Facilitating staff-patron interactions using AI-generated templates and FAQs.
• Using AI for cataloging and metadata management.
• Assisting with administrative tasks like scheduling and email drafting.

Dr. Lo emphasized the importance of experimenting with AI to discover its potential benefits and limitations within the academic library context.

Popular AI Tools and Applications

The panelists discussed various AI tools being utilized in their respective settings:

Tools in Public Libraries

• ChatGPT: Used for a variety of tasks, with some staff using the paid version for advanced features.
• Canva Magic Studio: For creating promotional materials and program flyers.
• Midjourney and Stable Diffusion: Image generation tools.
• Microsoft Co-Pilot and Google's Duet AI: For productivity and note-taking features.
• Otter AI: For transcription and translation services.
• Quick Draw by Google and Goblin Tools: For educational demonstrations of AI capabilities.
• Adobe Firefly and Character.ai: For creative and interactive experiences.

Tools in School Libraries

• ChatGPT: For natural language processing tasks and assisting students in generating research topics.
• BigHugeLabs Image Editor: For easy image editing tasks.
• Diffit: For leveling texts and generating practice questions aligned with testing cultures in schools.
• Google Immersive Translate and Rask AI: For translating materials to support multilingual students.
• OpenAI Codex and TabNine: For coding and creating custom AI models to process specific data.

Tools in Academic Libraries

• ChatGPT and GPT-4: For various research and administrative tasks.
• Claude from Anthropic and Google Bard: Alternative AI models for exploration.
• Perplexity AI: A tool that could potentially change information discovery processes.
• Scite.ai and Kendra: Research-oriented models for academic purposes.
• Elsevier's Scopus AI: An AI developed by publishers to assist with academic research.

Concerns and Ethical Considerations

Policy and Privacy Issues

The panelists emphasized the importance of policies guiding AI use, especially concerning data privacy, equity, and access. Key points included:

• Ensuring student data privacy in compliance with laws like FERPA.
• Addressing the digital divide and information privilege associated with access to AI tools.
• The need for clear institutional policies to guide AI use in educational settings.

Copyright and Intellectual Property

The discussion highlighted significant concerns regarding AI's impact on copyright and intellectual property:

• Ongoing lawsuits against AI companies for copyright infringement and the use of copyrighted materials in training data.
• The complexity of citing AI-generated content and the ethical implications of using AI outputs in academic work.
• The need for balanced approaches to protect creators' rights while allowing AI to be used for research and educational purposes.

Bias, Equity, and Labor Practices

Other concerns included:

• Biases present in AI models due to the data they are trained on, affecting marginalized communities.
• Environmental impacts of large data centers required for AI processing.
• Labor practices related to content moderation and the underpaid workforce behind AI technologies.

Resources and Staying Informed

The panelists shared various resources for librarians and professionals to stay updated on AI developments:

• Attending conferences and workshops, such as those hosted by the Public Library Association and the American Library Association.
• Following technology news outlets like The Verge, Mashable, Wired, CNET, and MIT Technology Review.
• Engaging with local tech platforms and staying informed about funding opportunities and industry trends.
• Reading reports from organizations like the Pew Research Center and the Center for an Urban Future.
• Following thought leaders and experts in the field on social media and professional networks.
• Utilizing library-specific publications like School Library Journal and Knowledge Quest.
• Listening to relevant podcasts and webinars, such as those offered by Choice 360 and New York Times' "Hard Fork."

Impact on Library Workforce and Future Outlook

The panelists concluded with reflections on how AI might impact the library workforce:

• Ida Mae Craddock expressed optimism that AI would not replace school librarians but would change certain aspects of the job, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of librarians in teaching critical thinking and fostering a love of reading.
• Dr. Leo Lo highlighted the importance of upskilling and reskilling, suggesting that AI would change job functions rather than eliminate positions. He mentioned efforts to develop AI competencies for library workers through organizations like ACRL.
• Dr. Brandy McNeil noted that while AI might not replace people, it could replace those who do not know how to use it effectively. She emphasized the emergence of new job roles like prompt engineering and the need for library professionals to adapt.

Conclusion

The opening keynote of the Library 2.0 mini-conference provided valuable insights into the current state and future possibilities of AI in various library contexts. The panelists highlighted both the practical applications and the ethical considerations that come with integrating AI into library services. Key takeaways include:

• The transformative potential of AI to enhance library operations, accessibility, and user engagement.
• The critical importance of policies, ethical considerations, and ongoing dialogue to navigate challenges related to privacy, equity, and intellectual property.
• The need for library professionals to stay informed, adapt to new technologies, and continue their role as educators and facilitators in an evolving information landscape.

The conference emphasized that while AI presents significant opportunities for innovation, it also requires thoughtful implementation and a commitment to addressing its broader societal impacts.

Additional Information

The panelists encouraged attendees to participate in upcoming sessions of the mini-conference and to engage with resources and networks to further explore AI's role in libraries.