Session Title: Generative AI and Practical Applications for Libraries
Session Date and Time: September 19^th, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Link to Register 

Speaker Bio: Dr. Christopher Harris is the Director of the School Library System for the Genesee Valley BOCES, an educational services agency supporting the libraries of 22 small, rural districts in Western NY. He was a participant in the first American Library Association Emerging Leaders program in 2007 and was honored as a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2008. In 2022, Dr. Harris was named a Senior Fellow for the American Library Association for school libraries and youth policy issues. Dr. Harris received his Ed.D. from St. John Fisher College in 2018 for dissertation research on helping teachers become more confident teaching computer science. He is the author of multiple books on gaming and computer science including upcoming titles on AI and machine learning from Rosen Publishing.

Session Description: ChatGPT and other forms of generative AI have burst into our lives and workplaces as a disruptive new technology. It is critical that libraries lead the way in educating both the community and our colleagues on how this technology works and how to best work with it. In this webinar, Dr. Harris will demystify artificial intelligence and provide examples of how to use the technology within libraries. Examples include basic book recommendations, homework help, translation services, and even AI-powered interrogations of our collections using customized GPTs.

This session will include: an overview of AI technologies; hands-on demonstrations of different AI tools and services; and suggestions for best practices to ensure ethical aspects are considered, such as protecting patron privacy.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand Generative AI Basics: Attendees will be able to explain the fundamental principles of generative AI, including how technologies like ChatGPT work and their potential applications in various settings.

• Recognize the Role of AI in Libraries: Attendees will be able to identify specific areas where AI can enhance library services, such as book recommendations, translation services, and collection management.

• Understand AI’s Limits and Privacy Concerns: Attendees will understand the limitations of AI, including privacy issues, and best practices librarians should follow when using these tools.

Free to ESLN Members. Registration is required. This webinar will be recorded.