In just one year, the LibraryLinkNJ AI Ambassadors program has made remarkable strides in equipping library professionals across New Jersey with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate and implement artificial intelligence in library settings. Initially comprised of 20 tech-savvy library staff, the program's reach and influence have extended far beyond its origins.
Training and Engagement
Through workshops, panels, and seminars, the AI Ambassadors collectively trained more than 750 individuals, including public, academic, and school library staff. Highlights of the program's reach include:
- Presentations tailored for diverse audiences, covering topics such as generative AI, ethical considerations, and AI applications in library tasks.
- Sessions like “AI for Library Staff”, which reached 85 attendees at the SCLS Staff Development Day, and “Mastering AI Conversations”, which drew 26 participants for prompt engineering best practices.
- Mary Martin, ShaBree Henry, and Heather Caldwell trained more than 400 staff in the PALS Plus library network.
Key Events and Presentations
The program reached significant milestones through its high-profile events:
- NJLA Panel Presentation (May 2024, Atlantic City):
The AI Ambassadors presented to 66 attendees at the New Jersey Library Association Conference. Panelists Mary Martin, ShaBree Henry, Heather Lubchansky, Maria Dunbar, and Jon Braun shared practical applications of AI in libraries, with a focus on ethical considerations and real-world implementations.
- SLAAIT Presentations (August 2024):
Two seminars hosted in collaboration with the State Library Agency Artificial Intelligence Tools initiative showcased the Ambassadors' expertise:- “AI: An Evergreen Learning Opportunity for Library Staff”: Mary Martin, Heather Caldwell, and ShaBree Henry provided an engaging overview of AI tools and their relevance to staff development.
- “LibraryLinkNJ AI Ambassadors: Training & Highlights”: Jon Braun, Doug Baldwin, and Jim Craner reflected on the program's success and shared insights on implementing AI in library workflows.
Lessons Learned
- Hands-on Engagement: Interactive activities and demonstrations consistently led to higher participant satisfaction and deeper learning.
- Ethical Discussions: Sessions addressing ethical considerations generated robust discussions, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue in this rapidly evolving field.
- AI Detection: Some of the most engagement we saw came from presenting images or text and asking the audience to determine which was AI generated and which was not.
Looking Ahead
As LibraryLinkNJ reflects on the program’s success, we look forward to building on this momentum with the next round of AI Ambassadors training. By fostering innovation and collaboration, we remain committed to supporting New Jersey’s library community in harnessing the potential of AI.