Jon Braun
AI Ambassadors: Cultivating AI Literacy for Library Professionals
Date
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Location
Sessions 1, 2 & 3: Online via Zoom | Session 4: In-Person at Piscataway Public Library
Audience
Tech-Savvy Library Staff or Tech Staff working at any library type of LibraryLinkNJ member libraries
Directions
Cost
$150/person; Registration is limited to 20 people
CEU
14
Event Description
AI Ambassadors: Cultivating AI Literacy for Library Professionals
presented by Jim Craner, Library Technologist with The Galecia Group
LibraryLinkNJ and the LibraryLinkNJ Technology Advisory Group (L-TAG) are thrilled to announce the return of AI Ambassadors, our dynamic AI training series designed specifically for tech-savvy library staff across New Jersey.
Since our first AI training series in October 2023, the AI landscape has evolved rapidly and so has the conversation around it. This refreshed series builds on the success of our original program, equipping participants with deeper insights into how artificial intelligence works, hands-on experience with emerging tools, and the confidence to lead thoughtful, informed discussions within their own communities.
We’re excited to welcome back Jim Craner of The Galecia Group, who will guide participants through the mechanics behind AI systems while exploring practical, ethical, and service-oriented applications for libraries. This updated series places special emphasis on preparing attendees to become AI Ambassadors, trusted voices who can facilitate conversations, answer questions, and help their communities navigate this transformative technology.
Join us as we move beyond understanding AI to actively shaping how it’s discussed and used in libraries throughout New Jersey.
Requirements for Participation:
- Participants registering for the AI Ambassadors Series are committing to attend all of the following training sessions:
- Three Virtual Sessions:
- Thursdays, April 30, May 7, and May 14, 2026
- 11am - 3pm (2 hours instruction, lunch break, 1 hour open discussion)
- One In-Person Session:
- May 21, 2026, 11am-4pm (Refreshments and Lunch will be provided)
- @ Piscataway Public Library (John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, 500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854) Phone: 732-463-1633
- Three Virtual Sessions:
- After completing the training sessions, participants will
- Participate in a recap of the series, to be featured on the LibraryLinkNJ LearningSpace.
- Participants will appear on-camera or via audio recording, reflecting on what they learned during the training.
- Be provided coursework and template presentations to begin to host their own community conversations.
- Be encouraged to join a nationwide interest group focused on AI topics, managed by the Galecia Group. This will help the NJ Libraries AI Interest Group stay up to date on the latest developments.
- Be encouraged to share their presentation on the LibraryLinkNJ LearningSpace.
- Participate in a recap of the series, to be featured on the LibraryLinkNJ LearningSpace.
Click the Schedule below to view the full, detailed content of the series.
If you have any questions about the series, please contact us via email!
| Interested in AI training but unable to commit to attending this AI Ambassadors series? Explore our LearningSpace for more on Artificial Intelligence in Libraries. |
All sessions will be moderated by Jon Braun, Online Learning & Digital Content Specialist for LibraryLinkNJ
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Virtual Session 1: AI Foundations for Library Technologists Synopsis: Exploring the history, principles, and societal impacts of AI. Participants will gain a deep understanding of fundamental AI concepts and their broader implications.
Learning Objectives:
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Virtual Session 2: AI Tool Time: Explore, Examine, Experience Synopsis: Exploring up to three LLM and Image Generation providers. Hands-on experimentation and prompt guidance to help discover the strengths, features, and applications of each tool.
Learning Objectives:
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Virtual Session 3: AI Applications in the Library Synopsis: Exploring ways to harness the power of AI for library organizations. Discussion on the ethics and implications of AI integration into library systems.
Learning Objectives:
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In-Person Session 4: Getting Your Conversations Started Synopsis: Program participants will have an opportunity to meet each other in person and network alongside alumni from the 2023 AI Ambassadors series. This in-person session will focus on preparing participants to host community conversations related to AI technology and develop their own presentations.
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Invoices will be emailed to all registrants following the close of the registration period. To finalize registration, the registration fee must be paid by April 10, 2026. If you require additional billing information, please contact Jennifer Bruno, our Administrative Operations Manager, via our Billing Support Form.
Cancellation Policy: Because this series is limited to 20 people, you may cancel by April 10, 2026, without penalty and receive either a credit for another class or a full refund. If you cancel after that date, you are responsible for full payment. The only exception is if LibraryLinkNJ cancels the class/event.
LibraryLinkNJ reserves the right to cancel the series if registration is less than 90% full by April 10, 2026. If LibraryLinkNJ cancels the series, participants will receive either a credit toward another class or a full refund.
In the event a session is canceled due to unexpected severe weather or a venue building issue, LibraryLinkNJ will make reasonable efforts to notify participants directly at least 24 hours in advance. LibraryLinkNJ will also work with the speaker and participants to reschedule the canceled session when feasible.
Link to Online Registration
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need assistance regarding this program, please contact our staff:
Mi-Sun Lyu
For any other questions or suggestions regarding LibraryLinkNJ services and programs, please refer to our support forms and contact information.
LibraryLinkNJ &
LibraryLinkNJ Tech Advisory Group (L-TAG)
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