Give AI a Chance

TranslateLive’s ILA tablet

Recently, I’ve seen some librarians complain about AI and be pretty defensive about AI usage in libraries. Mostly in library-related Facebook groups, but not all.

Some things I’ve seen include:

Complaining about the evils of AI … on Facebook (which uses a TON of AI).

Complaining about libraries using AI-generated promotional flyers (which, granted, is a bit weird) … but then state that they use Canva (which uses a TON of AI).

Complaining about AI environmental issues connected to data centers … but still doom-scrolling social media and binge-watching their favorite Netflix series (which uses more power than AI).

ALA distributing a draft statement on AI … that seemed pretty negative and cautionary, and also seemed to primarily focus on generative AI (but it’s a draft, so hopefully it will improve!).

Meanwhile, here’s the current reality of AI tools and services in libraries: you probably have some, and are probably not getting rid of them anytime soon. Tools like these (at my library, anyway):

Microsoft: Yes, MS 365 introduced CoPilot a little over a year ago. That’s something you can currently choose to not purchase (it costs extra). but Microsoft has been using different types of AI tools for years. Spellcheck and Grammar suggestions in Word, for example – that’s AI in action.

OverDrive: OverDrive’s Libby app recently introduced the Inspire Me feature. OverDrive says this about Inspire Me: “Built into the Libby app, this feature uses artificial intelligence with the magic of a library’s digital collection to surface hidden gems and tailor-made recommendations. Inspire Me prioritizes titles that are immediately available to borrow.” The Libby app includes AI tools.

Adobe Creative Suite (and Canva, too): For your more creative staff … both Adobe and Canva have built-in AI tools to help with workflow, to edit images, etc.

Other tools and services that use AI: At my library, we also use Zoom, Canto, 1Password, Basecamp, Cisco, ConnectWise, Faronics, ESRI’s ArcGIS, and Paycom (for starters) – all have some type of AI built in. Your library’s bank probably uses AI (your own bank does, too). Many other tools, services, and apps that you use every day have already incorporated AI at some level.

Also, remember that AI doesn’t just mean generative AI. “Artificial Intelligence” includes things we’ve had for a long time now, including machine learning, conversational AI, predictive AI, natural language processing, etc. Wikipedia says the field of AI research has been around since at least 1956!

Where am I going with this? The current round of generative AI is definitely “the new kid on the block” and something to be a bit cautious about. But at the same time, it’s not something to completely back away from and say “never at MY library” – at least, not without first putting it through its paces and seeing what works and what doesn’t. For example, I just received a fun email about a staff person at my library using AI to successfully help a customer. We’re also experimenting with the TranslateLive ILA (Instant Language Assistant) tablet. It uses AI translation to help us communicate in different languages, in real time. It’s pretty cool. And both are positive examples of successful AI use in a library setting. I’m sure there are plenty more!

So – be cautious? Yes, definitely. As we should with all new tech. Also experiment and see what works? Also a big yes.

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