Tech Crash Courses: From Exploration to Implementation

Leah Ujda is a UX Professor of Practice at UW–Madison’s College of Computing and AI. A UW–Madison MLIS graduate, her career spans digital libraries, user experience leadership, and higher education. Leah specializes in human-centered design, user-centered innovation, and preparing information professionals to navigate evolving technologies.

Jacqueline “Lina” Brixey is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and a researcher whose work bridges artificial intelligence, language technology, and cultural preservation. She earned her PhD in Computer Science from the University of Southern California (USC) in 2024, and holds an MA in Linguistics, an MSc in Computer Science, and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and International Studies. Her interdisciplinary research is rooted in a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems and a commitment to ethical, community-centered design. Her work focuses on creating culturally appropriate artificial intelligence tools that support the revitalization of Indigenous and endangered languages. Her work illustrates the power of technology to support cultural resilience and sovereignty in the digital age.

Dane Gogoshin is a third year visiting assistant professor of philosophy at the Information School at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she teaches courses on data and AI ethics. From 2020 to 2024, she was a researcher in the ethics of technology, especially social robotics and AI, with the RADAR Group at the University of Helsinki. She has a wide range of philosophical interests, but focuses primarily on questions of agency and moral responsibility in traditional and technological contexts.

David McHugh is an Instruction Manager & Teaching Faculty member at the UW–Madison Information School, where he supervises lecturers and teaches future information professionals.  He created one of the university’s first courses on the use and critique of generative AI.  In and beyond campus, he has led AI sessions for faculty, librarians, and more.  Previously, he held roles in library, ed-tech, and leadership for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, culminating as director of an instructional technology team.  David has an MA in Library & Information Studies from UW–Madison, with additional graduate studies in the design of interactive learning experiences.  He is a co-founder of the Play Make Learn conference and co-chair of the GEE! Learning Game Awards.

Sierra Whitfield is the Copyright and Fair Use Librarian at Texas A&M University, where she helps faculty, students, and staff navigate the often-intimidating world of copyright. With over six years of experience, she advises on how copyright intersects with higher education, reviews publisher contracts, tackles complex copyright questions, and closely follows the rapidly evolving copyright legal landscape, especially in the age of AI. When she isn’t reading court opinions, she’s likely camping, hiking, or finding any excuse to be out in the great outdoors.

Collection Development in the Era of Generative AI: Action Steps and Strategies for Libraries

Cecelia Cole, Resource Sharing and Collection Consultant, IFLS Library System
February 25, 2027, 12:00-1:00 PM CST

Artificial intelligence is having a major impact in libraries by creating challenges in selecting quality materials for library collections. As generative AI technology rapidly changes, libraries must respond to these challenges to protect the integrity of collections and uphold the library’s mission, values, and credibility as a trusted resource in our communities.

This session will explore strategies for collection development in the age of generative AI, including:

• Developing and updating guidelines, policies, procedures, and resources for ongoing direction and support
• Increasing awareness among library staff, patrons, and stakeholders
• Utilizing training and policies to help facilitate selection of quality materials

Cecelia Cole (she/her) is a Resource Sharing and Collection Consultant with IFLS Library System. Before joining IFLS, she was an Academic Librarian at UWEC-Barron County and earned her MLIS degree from UW–Madison. Her collection development work with IFLS focuses on assisting public libraries with professional best practices, collection analysis, policies, and intellectual freedom. 

AI as a Tool: Local Models and Real Library Workflows

Derek Brown is Director of Information Technology at Rochester Hills Public Library, which serves the largest public library service population in Oakland County, Michigan. Since 2012 he has led RHPL’s technology strategy, cybersecurity, and infrastructure, combining long-range planning with hands-on implementation. His recent work focuses on moving AI from policy into practical library operations, including institutional AI governance, locally hosted models, cloud services, and staff tools built around real workflows. In 2026 RHPL received the Clarivate Library Innovation Award for its child-centered Kids Catalog built with Vega Discover.