Getting Up to Speed with Generative AI

The landscape around artificial intelligence seems to be changing daily, and libraries are increasingly seeing questions like:

  1. What is AI?
  2. How does it work?
  3. What can one do with it?
  4. How to use it ethically?
  5. And is it going to take over our world?

To address at least the first four questions, we have put together a series of programs that will offer attendees an introduction to generative AI, look at ethical questions around using AI, examine how to use AI safely, and explore some potential programing opportunities using AI.

Presenters include Rebecca Schneider, Jessica Beavers, and Sonya Coleman from the Library of Virginia and Reed Hepler from the College of Southern Idaho. See program descriptions, dates, and registration links below. If you cannot make the live sessions, the programs will be recorded and added to the LVA Niche Academy.

  • An Introduction to Generative AI in Public Libraries
    • Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 01:00 PM ET
    • Library of Virginia reference librarian Becky Schneider will provide an overview of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and DALL-E. She will discuss the strengths and limitations of generative AI, as well as the key information literacy competencies to aid library staff and users in their encounters with these new technologies.
    • Watch the presentation in the LVA Niche Academy.

  • The Three C’s of AI-Generated Content: Copyright, Citation, and Circumspection
    • Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 01:00 PM
    • In this presentation, Reed Hepler, digital initiatives librarian, instructional designer, artificial intelligence practitioner and consultant, will discuss the implications of copyright on AI; the need for, and implications of, citation or acknowledgment of AI use, and the importance of being circumspect about data privacy, confidentiality, and quality control and other issues. Reed has been called by some “the most ‘anti-AI’ AI proponent.” His goal in this discussion is help you become the same by taking about both benefits and hazards.
    • Watch the presentation in the LVA Niche Academy.
  • AI Ethics in a Digital World
    • Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 01:00 PM
    • Jessica Beavers, Information Security, Risk, and Compliance Manager at the Library of Virginia will explore ethical implications and cybersecurity challenges surrounding the use of AI in today’s digital landscape. In this eye-opening presentation we delve into real-life examples, discuss regulatory frameworks, and explore best practices for ensuring responsible and secure AI implementation.
    • Watch the presentation in the LVA Niche Academy.
  • Using AI in Library Programming
    • Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 01:00 PM
    • Join Sonya Coleman, Digital Engagement Coordinator at LVA, to explore new programming ideas that demonstrate artificial intelligence tools and provide hands-on instruction. By pairing historical descriptions and AI image generation tools, participants learn to create potential images based on historical resources. Through using these generative AI tools, participants can better understand the limitations as well as possibilities of new technology, thereby becoming more savvy consumers of information in the digital world.
    • Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0of-ugrz0rGdVzXTXDq1jMbYTD4-9As53s