The Information School

Tech Crash Course: AI & Libraries

When: Every Thursday in October, 12-1 pm CST

Where: Zoom Webinar

Cost: $50 per webinar or $200 if you register for all five webinars

Program #: 313125

Register Online

There is a limit of one person per order. To register a group you will need to place multiple orders. 

Payment and Cancellation Policy

Questions? Email the CE Team

Join experts for a series of engaging and practical webinars focused on the opportunities and  challenges libraries are now presented with when it comes to ChatGPT and other generative AI. Whether you are new to AI, cautiously optimistic about what AI can do for you and your staff, or questioning the uses of AI we have a session for you. 

Each webinar is presented live and all include captions. Recordings will be available to registered attendees.

AI & Libraries: A Very Short Introduction

Thursday, Oct 3 12:00-1:00 pm CST
Registration closes Oct 1

Join Collection Strategist Scarlet Galvan for a very short introduction to AI in libraries. This session will cover several areas in a 101-friendly way, including what artificial intelligence is and is not, common terms used in discussion, opportunities and challenges, and the influence of AI-driven enhancements in library platforms.

headshot of scarletA. Scarlet Galvan is a happy warrior, Area Lead for Assessment and Planning, and Collection Strategist Librarian at Grand Valley State University Libraries. At GVSU she develops and leads efforts toward an equity-centered, sustainable collection. Her research focuses on the sociopolitical aspects of library services platforms and resource management. Her recent work includes keynotes at VALA: Libraries, Technology, and the Future, and the North Carolina Serials Conference. Scarlet is currently a member of SPARC’s Executive Steering Committee, and an editor for Weave: Journal of Library User Experience.

Navigating the AI Landscape: Information Literacy in the Digital Age

Thursday, Oct 10 12:00-1:00 pm CST
Registration closes Oct 8

AI is a rapidly evolving technology that has the potential to transform how we create, access and use information. In this session, Allison Papini will share insights and experiences on how generative AI can be integrated into information literacy education. The session will cover the basics of generative AI, its applications and challenges, and its implications for information ethics and critical thinking. The session will also provide practical examples and tips on how to use generative AI tools for information literacy instruction and research. (Note: ChatGPT helped write this description.)

Allison Papini HeadshotAllison Papini is Assistant Director/ Manager of Research & Instruction Services at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. Papini is a Rhode Island native who received her BA in History-Secondary Education from Providence College, her MLIS from the University of Rhode Island, and will earn her MBA from Bryant University in 2024. She has a wide array of academic interests including artificial intelligence, information literacy instruction, emerging technology, team-based learning, evidence-based medicine, publishing ethics, and intellectual freedom. In her free time Allison enjoys reading, crocheting, hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, and rooting for her beloved Bryant Bulldogs and Boston sports teams.

Uses and Abuses of AI in Libraries

Thursday, Oct 17 12:00-1:00 pm CST
Registration closes Oct 15

Let’s cut through the hype together and explore what works (and what really doesn’t!) when bringing generative AI to the library.  We’ll highlight opportunities as well as key misuses and areas to beware of, from the bizarre to the ingenious.  Whether you’re new to the array of generative AI tools or experienced, this session will give you hands-on experience with practical examples so you can leave well informed and well equipped.

Headshot of DavidAs Teaching Faculty at the UW-Madison Information School, David McHugh instructs & advises future librarians, specializing in technology and design related classes.  In the past, he held a variety of library, IT, and leadership roles at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, including serving as BadgerLink Coordinator, IT Education Consultant for Innovation, and IT Director.  In his spare time, David collects games and degrees, including an MA in Library & Information Studies and occasional PhD work in the design of interactive learning experiences.  David is a co-founder of Play Make Learn, a conference on creative practices in libraries and education, and the GEE! Learning Game Awards.

Unlocking Tomorrow’s Libraries: Navigating Generative AI

Thursday, Oct 24 12:00-1:00 pm CST
Registration closes Oct 22

This session will explore the transformative role of generative AI in libraries and equip library staff with essential knowledge for both personal understanding and effective patron support. This session delves into the workings of generative AI, ethical considerations, legal frameworks, and empowering staff to navigate AI-generated content responsibly. Attendees will gain insights into policy development, including privacy and intellectual property considerations, to foster a culture of ethical AI use within libraries.

Dr. Brandy McNeil headshotAs the Deputy Director of Branch Programs and Services at the New York Public Library, Dr. Brandy McNeil has transformed community access to technology, knowledge, and opportunity across the 89 branches under her stewardship. Dr. McNeil’s game-changing innovations have forged successful partnerships between libraries and tech giants such as Apple, Spotify, and Google to name a few. Her visionary leadership and dedication to community empowerment have led her to create the highly successful TechConnect program, which has become a digital literacy model for libraries nationwide. She is a contributing writer for Public Libraries Magazine and a contributor to the book titled Libraryland; It’s All About The Story, published in 2020. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Public Library Association and served on the Black Caucus of the ALA Executive Board. Dr. McNeil’s expertise is not limited to her work in libraries, she holds a Doctorate in Business and an M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship and has worked for several Fortune 500 companies.

Can AI Be Fair? The Ethical Use of Generative AI in Libraries

Thursday, Oct 31 12:00-1:00 pm CST
Registration closes Oct 29

Artificial intelligence is embedded in our daily lives. From search engines to Siri, facial recognition to medical applications—AL is everywhere. However, the rise of generative AI technologies raises critical questions about bias and mis/disinformation, data privacy and surveillance, copyright infringement, and worker displacement. How do libraries use generative AI in an ethical way? We’ll look at chatbots, recommendation engines, and content creation tools and their impact on libraries. How do we uphold core values of intellectual freedom and equitable access to information while using generative AI? Libraries and librarians have a role to play in data management, user education and empowerment, and in ensuring algorithmic fairness and transparency. Let’s explore the ethical use of generative AI in libraries, gaining a nuanced understanding of the challenges and considerations facing both librarians and our patrons.

Headshot of MarcellaMarcella Fredriksson is the Web & Discovery Services Librarian at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). She received her BA from Boston University in 2002 and her MSLS from Catholic University in 2006. She has been at UNCW since 2016. Her research interests include bias in search, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, as well as improving the usability of library websites and the library search experience.