Written by Thanks to everyone who attended the chat this afternoon. There were some excellent questions and discussion. Please view if you have time.
Question to the class: what are your favorite tech podcasts for keeping up to date on emerging technologies etc?
Also – what do you think of the AI summary?
AI Summary of the Chat:
AI Training and Implementation in Public Libraries
Michael Casey discussed ongoing funding challenges for public libraries and efforts to introduce AI prompting classes for staff. These sessions are designed to build familiarity with tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, helping staff formulate effective prompts and verify AI-generated information. He compared current skepticism toward AI to earlier concerns about tools like Google and Wikipedia. Casey also highlighted the success of their “open plus” library system, noting significant usage increases—especially at a branch near a new park.
Civic Literacy and Contemporary Programming
Casey also outlined his library system’s civic literacy and media programming initiatives. Branches offer workshops on identifying misinformation, while the adult programming team hosts events centered on current issues such as global conflicts and media changes. An upcoming event will feature one of the exonerated Central Park Five, now an author and New York City mayoral candidate. The library continues to expand nonfiction programming to address timely topics and support community dialogue.
Technology, Libraries, and Community Impact
During the conversation, Jackie shared her goal of working in a library where she can directly impact lives, free from corporate constraints. Casey reflected on how libraries must adapt to new operational models and embrace evolving technologies to stay relevant and financially viable. In response to a question from Yiwen about a book he co-authored in 2007, Casey credited foundational ideas from earlier thinkers and emphasized how libraries can learn from business and retail trends. Michael Stephens supported these ideas, noting their continued relevance today.
Practical AI Applications in Library Work
Casey described a 4–5 part AI webinar series through the Urban Library Council (ULC), which introduces staff to AI tools and includes hands-on assignments. He shared plans for additional internal training focused on responsible use and information verification. Casey also uses AI to draft responses to patron complaints and fine-tune email tone, finding it a valuable time-saver. He noted the potential of AI in storytelling—such as creating personalized children’s stories—and its possible future role in improving the accuracy of historical narratives.
Future Thinking and Human-Computer Interaction
Casey introduced the idea of the singularity—popularized by Ray Kurzweil—and its implications for the future of human-computer relationships. He mentioned Kurzweil’s innovations, such as technology that facilitates communication for the deaf. The session concluded with reflections on the role of AI in libraries and thanks to participants for their engagement.
Note: The Zoom Al is very granular. I edited the summary to take out things like “Michael started the recording” and Michael and I discussing Adolescence on Netflix before we started.
Extra Links:
Image: Michael & Michael at London Apple Store in 2008!
