Foundations of Integrating AI in LIbraries

Half-Day Online Course + 3-Week Workshop | September 9-30, 2025 | 12 Credit Hours

You’ve seen the headlines. Maybe you've tried a tool or two. But when it comes to actually using AI in your day-to-day work, the hype quickly turns into more questions than answers. This course is your chance to slow down, get clear on what these tools really do (and don’t do), and start exploring how they might fit into your workflows in a way that aligns with your values and supports your patrons. No jargon. No pressure to automate everything. Just the knowledge you need to make informed, thoughtful decisions.

Check out the course program:

Tuesday, September 9, 12-4:15 pm ET

Course & Workshop Introduction | 12:00-12:20 pm ET
An introduction to the weekly assignments, an overview of what to expect from the online workshop in this course, and a chance to complete the course pre-assessment.

Session 1 | 12:20-1:05 pm ET
The What and Why of Artificial Intelligence
What exactly is artificial intelligence? How did we get here? Will it affect my job? In this session, you will learn about the history of AI along with an overview of the current landscape of chatbots and other generative AI. You will also consider the positive implications of experimenting with AI as a means of enhancing your daily work.

Session 2 | 1:05-1:50 pm ET
How ChatGPT and Other ChatBots Can Help with Communication
Learn when chatbots can be helpful in your library work, along with other AI tools that help get your message across to your colleagues and community members. Learn tips for constructing effective chatbot prompts and apply them to your own communication needs.

Break | 1:50-2:00 pm ET

Live Working Session | 2:00-2:30 pm ET
This live, moderated working session will give you an immediate opportunity to process and apply the skills you’ve learned. You will be divided into smaller working groups and presented with an activity related to content shared. You are encouraged to join on camera and audio to discuss ideas, ask questions, and hear from other participants in class. If you can't join live, all discussion prompts will be shared in the online classroom.

Session 3 | 2:30-3:15 pm ET
Ethical Implications and Gotchas of Generative AI
Can AI lie? What about bias? Who owns the copyright for generated AI? In this session, you will uncover potential problems that come with using AI tools, along with ideas for mitigating those risks and helping your community grapple with the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI.

Break | 3:15-3:25 pm ET

Session 4 | 3:25-4:10 pm ET
Employing AI as Your Personal Aide for Teaching, Programming, and More
Whether you’re new to teaching or library programming, or have years of experience, sometimes the most difficult aspect of creating new experiences for your community is getting started. Learn how AI can jumpstart your creativity for improving past go-to lessons or programs, as well as how you can introduce students and patrons to AI pitfalls and possibilities. You will also discover practical ways AI can enhance other types of library work tasks.

Closing Remarks | 4:10-4:15 pm ET

Join as a Group

Group Rates

Whether you're taking a course with a couple of colleagues or signing up your whole team, registering as a group of 3 or more is the best way to save on courses. Discounts start at 10%, and the larger the group, the greater the discount!

Credit Packages

Library Journal’s bulk course credit program is flexible, easy to manage, and offers 25% off our lowest price for every course seat booked for a full year! Set aside a portion of your budget and allocate seats to staff as needs arise.

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