Broadcast on 90.3 WHPC, Instruction Discussion is a weekly radio show that examines the most current topics and trends in education that impact both Long Island schools and those around the world. On April 25th, I sat down for an interview with the show’s host, Kevin Boston-Hill, where we discussed how public libraries have adapted to technological change. You can listen below, or on your favorite podcast platform.
A special thanks goes out to Kevin for being a gracious host, and for helping to spread the word on the essential work done by our public libraries! If you’re interested in education, be sure to subscribe to Instruction Discussion!
Until Next Time!
As always, if you’re looking for a speaker for your event feel free to reach out! I cover emerging technologies, staff training, library tech trends, tech on a budget, AI, change management, and more! You can also check out this list of recent and upcoming events.
While artificial intelligence holds tremendous potential for libraries, it also comes with significant concerns and the potential for harm. We find ourselves sailing uncertain waters; there are few guard rails governing AI’s use. Even as we acknowledge this truth, we must also note that library staff are already experimenting with AI chatbots (most commonly ChatGPT), generative AI design tools (like Stable Diffusion), and other variations of AI technology. In short, we have potential innovations, pitfalls, and a total lack of clarity. It is only through the thoughtful development of policy, procedure, and professionals that we can hope to articulate a vision for the ethical use of AI in our libraries.
Generated using Midjourney. Prompts: robot sitting at a desk with a stack of paper contracts. inside of a quiet library. –ar 16:9.
Policy & Procedure Considerations
Whether we develop new policy specific to AI, or view AI through the lens of existing library policy, some considerations include:
Privacy
Simply put, if something is free, then you’re the product. AI models are constantly collecting data as they interact with users, train, and evolve. This can have dire consequences, as Samsung recently discovered. Samsung engineers had been using ChatGPT to check source code, only for those trade secrets to be leaked outside of the company. One can easily see library staff leveraging the same or similar technology as a writing assistant, brainstorming tool, etc, only to inadvertently reveal confidential patron information.
Intellectual Property
There has been a proliferation of AI tools that take text prompts from users to generate images (and other media). Design software Canva, already quite popular in libraries, itself has a “Text to Image Tool”. To date, the US Copyright Office has determined that since AI art is not the product of “human authorship,” it is ineligible for copyright protection. While that may give some clarity (for the time being) on the output of generative AI tools, the trickier ethical piece involves how these models are built. That process includes training the AI model on hundred of millions (even billions) of images on the web, often without the consent of the original artist. To be clear, legal does not necessarily equate to ethical!
Transparency
When we utilize the product of AI, should we let our patrons know? How do we do so? Transparency for an AI generated image might mean citing the program used, along with the specific text prompts employed. Do we acknowledge the use (and extent) of AI-generated copy in our newsletter? That particular distinction, while important early on, may soon seem quaint with the synergy of generative AI and Microsoft Office.
Generated using Midjourney. Prompt: person using a computer in a darkened room that is otherwise empty. ominous glow from computer screen. dramatic. –ar 16:9
Investing in AI
Once we establish some ground rules for the ethical use of AI in our libraries, we can then determine what specific technologies and platforms to invest in. One aspect of investment is financial; many services that are initially free (again with you being the product), will grow in sophistication and eventually cost money. Others are freemium; ChatGPT’s free model comes without the guarantee of uptime during high traffic hours, and the access is to a less powerful set of features. In a work setting, you will need more certainty than freemium can provide. Aside from investing money into AI, you must also invest in your staff; namely through training. Such training is multi-faceted. It should cover:
How does the tool work?
What are some use cases?
How can it be used in a way that conforms with library policy (including data retention)?
Until Next Time!
AI is a truly disruptive technology that is moving with a speed I cannot say I have seen before! A feeling of bewilderment is understandable–I feel it too! That said, the time has come to take a deep breath and get to work laying a foundation of policy guidelines and staff development as we navigate the uncertain road ahead. As always, if you’re looking for a speaker for your event feel free to reach out! I cover emerging technologies, staff training, library tech trends, tech on a budget, change management, and more! You can also check out this list of recent and upcoming events.
I want to begin with two simple statements: technology should deliver convenience, and not all technological change needs to be radical to be effectual. With that in mind, here are some small tech changes that can make a big impact at your library.
Use Technology to Expand an Existing Offering
A small, further investment in a technology can result in a large boost to access. Libraries have long held an important role in advancing digital equity in our communities. Patrons rely on library-provided internet access for learning, work, and entertainment. Unfortunately, that access can be lost when the library’s doors are closed. While not a cure-all, the relatively inexpensive addition of one or more outdoor access points can instantly extend your wireless footprint out to the library grounds, and provide 24/7 WiFi availability. Small investment, big return.
Modernize Your Communication
Email, text, and chat have been convenient and widely-used modes of communication for a very long time. Despite this, I have found them to be underutilized by many libraries with regards to their patron-facing services. Take stock of your library’s operations and identify where an email option would be a commonsense alternative to an in-person transaction: it could be the library card application process, applying for a job, etc. Such alternatives increase convenience without increasing costs!
Photo by Jae Park on Unsplash
Mobile devices now account for the majority of internet traffic. Adding a “text us” option can deliver a real boost to reference transactions, it accommodates smartphone users, and is generally affordable. While chat widgets are widely available, the anticipated growth of AI-powered library chatbots may provide cause to postpone a decision until this market settles. Ultimately, this is a small financial investment that can open your reference services to a much wider audience.
Leverage Technology to Empower Your Patrons
In a time of rapid change, it’s essential that we remain responsive to the needs of our users! Google Forms are a free way to create custom patron surveys, program assessments, and other vehicles to solicit patron feedback. They can be embedded/linked to on your website, placed on an iPad (or other device) at points of service within your building, or sent via library e-newsletter, among other delivery methods. It costs nothing to listen, and what you learn can help you craft a more perfect library experience for your users.
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Until Next Time!
Take some time to evaluate your library’s operations, and identify where and how you can improve the patron experience with a little technology. You may be surprised by how many big opportunities you discover once you start thinking smaller!
Shameless Plug
I hope you’ve found this post useful. If you’re looking for a speaker for your event feel free to reach out! I cover emerging technologies, staff training, library tech trends, tech on a budget, change management, and more!
Consider adding Best Technologies for Public Libraries: Polices, Programs, and Services to your reading list. This book is a one-stop shop for libraries looking to add the most popular technologies and create best practices for their use.
