I can't believe I hadn't heard of ‘The Canadian Library Challenges Database’ until this year... though perhaps I did in University or at some point in the past. Either way, it never came to my attention when I was actually dealing with a materials challenge. Its scope is broader than I expected, covering not just collection items but also challenges to displays, programs, room bookings, and computer access. After just discovering, I wanted to share to help make library board members, fellow librarians, and anyone with the responsibility of addressing a materials request for a library aware of it. 

The Canadian Library Challenges Database is maintained by CFE-CFLA/FCAB and documents challenges faced by Canadian libraries. Each entry provides the following information about the challenge:

• The specific item challenged.
• The nature of the objection.
• The requested remedy.
• The library’s review process (if available). 
• The official response.

It's an invaluable reference (that is made more useful and comprehensive through our use) to inform and strengthen our responses to challenges, as well as give us an understanding of the challenged landscape in the library world.

​With the rise in forest fires becoming a significant concern across Canada, staying informed is more important than ever. Recent years, particularly 2018 (British Columbia wildfires), 2019 (Alberta wildfires), 2021 (Lytton wildfire), and 2023 (Alberta wildfires) have seen record-breaking wildfire seasons, significantly impacting air quality and public health. Currently, Manitoba is experiencing many active wildfires, leading to the closure of many provincial parks. Nopiming Provincial Park has been particularly hit hard, highlighting the need for reliable, timely information. 

One invaluable resource I've discovered and want to share is FireSmoke Canada.

​FireSmoke Canada provides real-time visualizations and forecasts of wildfire smoke across Canada and North America. Its interactive map clearly illustrates the density and movement of smoke, offering valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities, health precautions, and travel planning.

​Given the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, FireSmoke Canada is a must-bookmark site. Whether you're sensitive to air quality or simply want to monitor environmental conditions, this tool provides essential, timely data to keep you informed and prepared.

​Stay safe, stay informed, and share this resource to help your community navigate wildfire seasons effectively. 

On May 6th and 7th, I attended the Manitoba Libraries Conference hosted by the Manitoba Library Association (MLA). As an MLA member, I deeply appreciate this gathering. It's an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, discover innovative practices, and reflect on my own professional growth. This year was especially exciting as I co-presented a session titled "Demystifying ChatGPT: AI Innovations for Libraries & Digital Repositories" alongside Mike Ellis.

​The conference began with a powerful keynote by Niigaan Sinclair. Niigaan, an Anishinaabe professor from Peguis First Nation, immediately captured my attention with his compelling storytelling and incisive commentary. He contextualized Manitoba’s past and present, thoughtfully reflecting on the Legislative building and the statues toppled in recent years. His point about the absence of Indigenous representation being akin to starting a story at chapter two was particularly impactful. Niigan’s discussion on generational change, highlighted by Manitoba electing Canada’s first Indigenous premier, Wag Kinew, provided insight and perspective. His masterful balance between serious topics, such as residential schools and red dress day, and his use of humour underscored the value of open and straightforward conversations. 

​The first session I attended, “Not Just for Kids: Engaging Adults and Building Community Using Storytime and Music Programs”, led by Austin Matheson and Brittany Lagasse from Winnipeg Public Library, was delightful. It expanded my perspective on adult programming and reminded me of the potential for community-building through creative initiatives like ukulele jams. Given that my previous assistant branch head occasionally serenaded us with her ukulele, this session triggered some memories. 

​After preparing the laptop for my presentation, I quickly assembled a delicious lunch plate, though I had to temporarily stash it behind the projector screen. Despite starting slightly late due to the lunchtime rush, Mike and I had an impressive turnout, with attendees overflowing onto the floor! Mike’s engaging case study on PastFORWARD, Winnipeg Public Library’s digital repository, showcased an innovative AI application in archiving and elicited both laughter and lively participation from the audience. Although time for questions was limited, attendees raised insightful queries about generative AI trained on creative commons materials and the environmental implications of AI. Post-session, I enjoyed meaningful one-on-one discussions about generative AI and potential applications, including possibilities for interlibrary loan systems. 

Afterward, I enjoyed my lunch in the main hall and had an engaging conversation with Trevor, a new connection who shared interests in generative AI, libraries, astronomy, camping, and world travel.

​The afternoon continued with enlightening lightning talks on diverse library initiatives, from updating furniture (“Hold on to Your Seat - Or Don't!”) to enhancing bilingual collections and supporting male caregivers in early literacy programs. These brief yet impactful presentations sparked numerous programming ideas for my own library.

​The day concluded wonderfully with finger foods and mingling, leaving me eager for day two.

​Day two started with the MLA Annual General Meeting, providing a relaxed and productive beginning to the day. It was wonderful connecting with colleagues over coffee, meeting new faces, and exchanging insights.

​The first session of the day, “Nature Programs in a Rural Public Library: Hatching Chicks and Growing Vegetables”, inspired fresh ideas for nature-focused programming. Learning about initiatives like donating produce grown in library gardens reinforced the innovative ways libraries serve their communities.

​“Staff Picks: A Fun, Online Readers’ Advisory Program Model for Your Library” provided practical inspiration for an upcoming autumn ‘Staff Picks’ display. A valuable takeaway from this session was the reminder that “tech should be a tool that supports what you do, not dictate it.”

​The session “In Search of the Lost Library”, presented by librarians from the University of Winnipeg, demonstrated creative solutions for addressing discrepancies in catalogue entries. While their final solution didn’t utilize generative AI, their recognition of it as a potential solution brought a smile to my face, aligning with my interest in integrating AI into library workflows.

​Lunch and the awards ceremony, featuring speaker Chimwemwe Undi, were enjoyable and celebratory. Congratulations to all award winners!

​In the afternoon, Sam Popowich’s session, “The Cultural Politics of Libraries”, was particularly thought-provoking. Sam compellingly argued for recognizing libraries as politically active institutions, examining the 'enlightenment' versus 'social control' perspectives on library history. After the session, Sam generously gifted me his book, "Solving Names: Worldliness and Metaphysics in Librarianship", a thoughtful gesture and a read I’ve already begun to enjoy. 

​The final session I attended, “The Burnt-Out Librarian: Moving on From Vocational Awe”, tackled an important yet often overlooked issue. Carolyn and Monique shared personal experiences and offered practical strategies to address burnout, reinforcing the importance of maintaining healthy engagement with our profession.

​If you’re interested in exploring the content from my session, I’ve included two versions of the presentation slides in PDF format: a short presentation version (as delivered at the conference) and a more detailed version for deeper context and explanation. I hope these resources offer insight into our session and inspire new ways to explore the role of generative AI in libraries. 

​Reflecting on these two enriching days, I felt a great sense of community and connection. The Manitoba Libraries Conference reaffirmed my passion for librarianship, highlighted extraordinary work happening throughout Manitoba, and reinforced my belief that librarians and library workers truly do rule.

The digital world is brimming with information—but not all of it is accurate. With AI-generated content flooding our feeds and misinformation becoming more sophisticated, verifying facts has never been more crucial. Whether you're researching for work, keeping up with the news, or simply scrolling through social media, sharpening your fact-checking skills can help you separate truth from deception. Here’s how to sharpen your perception, enhance your awareness, and become a more informed consumer of information. 

1. Research the Author or Organization
A source’s credibility matters. Before trusting information, investigate who is behind it:

• Is the author a subject matter expert?
• Is the organization funded by groups or individuals who could bias their reporting?
• Does the author or organization have a history of accuracy?
• Are they affiliated with a reputable institution?
• Do they have an agenda?

Looking beyond an entity’s website—by checking independent reviews and other sources—can provide a clearer picture by revealing underlying motives and biases.

2. Use Smart Search Techniques
Finding reliable sources quickly depends on how you search. Here are a few techniques to refine your results:

• Use quotation marks (e.g. "digital literacy initiatives") to search for exact phrases.
• Use site:[URL] (e.g. site:ala.org digital literacy) to search within a specific website.
• Use the minus sign (e.g. -fake) to exclude unwanted terms.
• Conduct reverse image searches to verify photos.

3. Verify the Original Source
Many articles cite secondhand sources—but are they trustworthy?

• Track down the original source or publication.
• Check if the claim is accurately represented and contextually sound.
• Check if multiple reputable sources report the same facts.

4. Consult Fact-Checking Websites
Independent fact-checkers help cut through the noise. Some recommended resources include:

• General: Snopes, PolitiFact, FactCheck.org
• Scientific: SciCheck, Science Feedback
• Canadian-Specific: CBC News, MediaSmarts

​5. Pause and Reflect
If a claim sparks an emotional reaction, that’s a red flag. Misinformation thrives on outrage and urgency. Before sharing or believing a story, take a step back and ask:

• Does this seem too good (or too bad) to be true?
• Who benefits if this claim spreads?
• Does this seem intentionally provocative or overly simplistic?
• Have multiple reliable sources verified this?

The SIFT Method: A Fast, Effective Approach
Mike Caulfield’s SIFT method offers a quick way to assess information:

• Stop – Before engaging, consider the source’s credibility.
• Investigate – Look into the author, website, and their reputation.
• Find Better Coverage – Seek out high-quality sources for confirmation.
• Trace the Claim – Follow information back to its original context.

The P.R.O.V.E.N. Method: A Deeper Dive
For more thorough evaluation, use the P.R.O.V.E.N. method:

• Purpose: Understand why the information was created.
• Relevance: Check if the information is applicable. 
• Objectivity: Assess if multiple viewpoints are included. 
• Verifiability: Confirm the information through reliable independent sources.
• Expertise: Confirm the author’s qualifications. 
• Newness: Determine if the information is current. 

Lateral Reading: Thinking Like a Fact-Checker
Instead of staying on one page, open new tabs and check:

• Wikipedia for background on an organization or expert.
• News archives for related reporting.
• Reviews and expert opinions from multiple sources.

​AI-generated content isn’t going anywhere, and misinformation continues to evolve. Developing strong fact-checking habits keeps you informed and protects you from misleading claims.

​Next time you come across a viral story, a surprising statistic, or a claim that seems off, take a moment to verify before you share. The more we question, the better we can navigate today’s information landscape.

​Have a favourite strategy or a trusted source you rely on? Let’s discuss in the comments!

​The internet is a vast, ever-expanding landscape of information, social connection, and convenience. But just like any city with bustling streets and hidden alleyways, navigating the digital world requires caution. Online safety isn’t just about avoiding obvious scams—it’s about developing a mindset that keeps your personal information secure, your devices protected, and your digital footprint under control.

​Online safety refers to the practices and precautions individuals take to protect themselves, their personal data, and their digital identities from cyber threats. These threats range from phishing scams and malware to identity theft and privacy breaches. Staying safe online means understanding these risks and actively taking steps to reduce them.

​Online safety isn’t a one-time action—it’s an ongoing practice. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, but by staying informed, adopting secure habits, and using common sense, you can navigate the digital world with confidence. Whether you’re shopping, socializing, or simply browsing, a little caution goes a long way in protecting yourself from potential threats.

​By treating your online presence like you would your home—locking doors (passwords), checking visitors (verifying links), and securing valuables (personal data)—you can enjoy the internet’s benefits while minimizing its risks.

Over the past two months, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has become an integral part of my daily life, transforming how I manage my health, stay connected, and engage with the world around me. With a pool conveniently located where I live, I was eager to track my swimming to gain a more comprehensive picture of my overall exercise routine. The release of the black titanium version caught my eye, and after carefully weighing the benefits, I decided it was time to make the leap.

From the moment I put it on, the watch became more than just a tool—it became a companion. The Fitness Rings motivate me daily, encouraging that extra bit of movement, standing, or exercise. Tracking activities like swimming, outdoor cycling, dance, walking, and yoga has provided new insights, while monitoring my heart rate and blood oxygen levels offers a deeper look at my overall health.

Sleep is crucial, even if it's not always easy to get a full eight hours. The Sleep Tracking feature offers valuable data on my rest patterns, helping me recognize when I need more or better-quality sleep. While I could use the Mindfulness app more often, the times I do engage in short breathing exercises and reflections, I notice increased focus, increased awareness, reduced stress, and a greater sense of mindfulness.

Connectivity is effortless within the Apple ecosystem. Managing both a personal and work phone used to be cumbersome, but now important personal notifications appear discreetly on my wrist. I can keep my personal phone in my bag and my work phone in my pocket. The large screen makes typing messages comfortable, and the voice-to-text feature is perfect when I'm on the move.

I'm now more excited to hike longer and explore deeper into areas without cell coverage. The Waypoints and Compass apps offer reliable navigation right on my wrist, with the ability to backtrack using directional prompts and view maps and distances. This adds both safety and excitement to my outdoor adventures.

A variety of other apps further enhance my everyday experiences:

• Weather and Calendar help keep me organized and prepared.
• Night Sky enriches my stargazing, helping me learn constellations and increasing my awareness of stars, planets, and the movement of the night sky—even when it's cloudy.
• ChatGPT is more of a gimmick at this point due to a poorly designed interface, but with improvements and access to advanced voice mode, it could become a standout feature.
• Podcasts, Audiobooks, and Music are easily accessible, and I can control playback on connected devices.
• Noise Levels alerts me to protect my hearing in loud environments, but those have mostly been when using hand dryers or blenders. Things one hopefully doesn’t do for long periods of time. Still a useful feature that should come in handy when using power tools, attending an event with loud music, or when in other unfamiliar noisy environments.
• Timer is incredibly useful when cooking, baking, keeping track of laundry cycles, or monitoring break times during work and meetings.

Choosing the Titanium Milanese Band was a decision I haven't regretted. Its versatility suits professional meetings, casual outings, and athletic activities. It's lightweight, breathable, durable, and comfortable—even when sleeping. For anyone exploring band options, it's worth trying on.

​Battery life has met my expectations, lasting more than two full days and nights even with multiple exercise sessions and constant wear. This means less time worrying about charging and more time enjoying the watch's features.

​Reflecting on my transition from a Fitbit—which sadly didn't last—I realize how much more the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers. It seamlessly integrates with other Apple products, gamifies health, centralizes essential information, and keeps me engaged on my wellness journey.

​In essence, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has become more than a wearable gadget; it's a companion that enriches my connection to myself and my surroundings. It reduces reliance on my phone, promoting greater mindfulness and presence in everyday moments. ​If you're considering a smart watch, I encourage you to reflect on how it might enrich your life and fit holistically with your goals.

​In this final post of our series, I’m excited to take you on a journey beyond the standard use of AI and into the realm of creativity and specialization. AI isn’t just about answering questions—it’s a tool for sparking creativity, simulating professional consultations, and generating unique content. Let’s explore how creative and specialized prompting techniques can expand your horizons and help you get the most from your AI interactions.

1. Scenario-Based Prompting

• Definition: Asking the AI to create scenarios to visualize outcomes or explore hypothetical situations.
• Example: "Imagine a library of the future where all services are delivered through virtual reality. Describe a day in the life of a library user in this setting."
• Best For: Storytelling, creative writing, speculative fiction, or exploring future possibilities.

This technique is ideal for creative writers or futurists who want to explore "what if" scenarios. It allows for imaginative and innovative responses that help visualize potential futures or creative storylines.

2. Comparative Prompting

• Definition: Requesting the AI to compare and contrast different concepts, ideas, or entities.
• Example: "Compare the advantages and disadvantages of offering eBooks vs. physical books in a public library."
• Best For: Highlighting distinctions, analyzing choices, or presenting balanced viewpoints.

Comparative prompting is particularly useful for analysis and decision-making processes. By comparing different options, you can generate balanced and well-rounded discussions.

3. Image Generation Prompting

• Definition: Using vivid, descriptive language to guide AI in generating images.
• Examples: 
  • "Create an image of a bustling market in a futuristic city, with diverse alien species trading goods under glowing neon lights."
  • "Create an image of a vibrant children's storytime session in a multicultural library, with diverse children, colourful decorations, and engaging storytelling props."
• Best For: Visual content creation, generating stock images, conceptual design, or artistic inspiration.
• Tips:
  • Use Specific Descriptors: Adjectives like "serene," "vibrant," "foggy," or "chaotic" help in crafting precise visuals.
  • Include Elements and Themes: Mention key components (e.g. "a spaceship landing", "ancient ruins in a jungle", or “a rustic barn on the prairie”).

For artists and designers, image generation prompting provides a powerful tool to visualize concepts. Using detailed language ensures that the AI captures the intended mood and details.

4. Hybrid Prompting

• Definition: Combining different prompting methods, like few-shot and chain-of-thought, for multi-layered responses.
• Examples: 
  • "Provide three examples of how libraries support lifelong learning. Then, outline a step-by-step approach for developing a new adult education program focused on career skills."
  • "Provide three examples of how AI is transforming customer service. Then, outline a step-by-step approach for implementing AI-driven customer service in a retail company."
• Best For: Tackling multifaceted topics, generating comprehensive guides, or combining diverse information sources.

Hybrid prompting offers the best of both worlds by blending different techniques to achieve complex and nuanced outputs. It's ideal for comprehensive content that requires multiple layers of information.

5. Personalized Prompting

• Definition: Tailoring prompts to user preferences or needs to create more customized content.
• Examples: 
  • “I am interested in hard science fiction, space operas, transhumanism, and intricate worldbuilding. Please recommend ten novels or series that strongly incorporate these themes.”
  • "Based on interests in historical fiction, mystery novels, and outdoor adventure, recommend a weekend itinerary that includes related activities."
• Best For: Providing highly relevant suggestions, recommendations, or plans based on individual preferences.

Personalized prompting makes AI interactions more relevant and engaging. By focusing on user-specific needs, this technique ensures the content is highly tailored and practical.

​And that concludes our exploration of AI prompting techniques! From building a solid foundation to unlocking deeper insights and expanding your creative potential, you now have a robust toolkit for engaging with AI. Whether you're using these techniques in a library setting, for research, or to fuel creative projects, remember that the key to mastering AI lies in thoughtful, intentional prompting. Thank you for joining me on this journey—let's continue exploring the power of technology and the limitless potential it offers.

​Welcome back! As we continue this series on structuring AI prompts, it’s time to build upon the foundational techniques we’ve already explored. In this post, we’ll learn advanced prompting techniques that can help you draw out deeper insights and more sophisticated responses from AI. Whether you’re working in a research-heavy field or diving into a creative project, these advanced techniques will help you go further.

1. Chain-of-Thought Prompting

• Definition: Guiding the AI to articulate a logical, step-by-step breakdown of a complex idea or process.
• Example: "Outline the steps to develop a successful early literacy program at a local library."
• Best For: Explaining multi-step processes, enhancing logical reasoning, or providing educational content.

Chain-of-thought prompting is particularly useful for educators or anyone looking to break down complex ideas into manageable steps. It enables the AI to provide a more structured and logical explanation, ideal for tutorials and how-to guides.

Framework Tip: Use the C-A-R-E framework:

• Context: Provide the background for the library.
• Action: Describe the steps involved.
• Results: Clarify what the outcome should look like.
• Examples: Give examples for each step.

This structured approach helps AI break down processes systematically, making it ideal for educators and professionals who need detailed explanations.

​2. Role-Specific Prompting

• Definition: Instructing the AI to respond from the perspective of a specific profession or expertise.
• Example: "You are a library technology specialist. Provide a strategy for implementing a digital literacy workshop series for seniors."
• Best For: Generating expert-like advice, simulating consultations, or producing specialized content.

By assigning a role to the AI, you can tailor responses to match specific professional contexts, making this technique valuable for content that demands a high degree of expertise or specialization.

Framework Tip: Utilize the R-T-F framework:

• Role: Act as a [Role].
• Task: Create a [Task].
• Format: Show as [Format].

This technique allows users to simulate consultations or expert advice, making it highly relevant for creating specialized and professional content.

3. Prompt Chaining

• Definition: Dividing complex topics into smaller, connected prompts that build upon each other for comprehensive exploration.
• Examples: 
  • "List the key components of a library's collection development policy."
  • "Describe how user feedback can influence collection development decisions."
  • "Provide examples of successful collection development strategies from public libraries."
• Best For: Exploring topics in detail, creating structured and in-depth discussions, or educational tutorials.

Prompt chaining is great for diving deep into a subject by breaking it down into interconnected questions. This method ensures a thorough exploration and helps build a complete picture of a topic.

Framework Tip: Apply B-A-B:

• Before: Explain the problem or situation.
• Action: State the goal or desired action.
• Output: Ask for a specific format.

Framework Tip: Use the A-P-E framework to control the output:

• Action: State the task.
• Purpose: Create a purpose for the response.
• Expectation: Describe what should be avoided.

Negative prompting helps AI think outside the box and avoid common responses, ideal for generating unique and thought-provoking content.

​Advanced prompting techniques open doors to deeper, more insightful AI interactions. By applying these strategies, you can get more nuanced and detailed responses that meet your professional or creative needs. In the final post of this series, we’ll explore creative and specialized prompting techniques that push the boundaries of AI’s capabilities, allowing for more imaginative and customized interactions. Stay curious!

Welcome to the start of an exciting journey into the world of AI interactions. As someone who has spent years merging the worlds of libraries, philosophy, and technology, I’ve seen how AI tools like ChatGPT can transform the way we gather and use information. This three-part series will guide you through core, advanced, and creative techniques for structuring AI prompts to maximize the usefulness of AI in your professional or creative pursuits. Whether you're a librarian looking to enhance reference services or someone eager to experiment with AI's creative potential, these techniques will help you get the most out of your interactions.

​To interact effectively with AI, it’s crucial to start with a strong foundation. In this first post, we’ll explore core prompting techniques. Core prompting techniques help establish the basics of AI communication, ensuring clarity and precision in responses. Let’s dive in.

1. Zero-Shot Prompting

• Definition: Directly asking the AI to perform a task without providing any prior examples.
• Example: "Explain the concept of digital literacy."
• Best For: Simple definitions, explanations, or introducing new topics.

Zero-shot prompting is like starting with a blank slate. It's perfect for straightforward queries where you're looking for concise answers or explanations. When you're unsure of the AI's capacity or want a broad overview of a subject, zero-shot prompts are the go-to technique.

Tip: Specify the tone (e.g. formal, informative) and format (e.g. bullet points) to refine the response. For example, "Explain the key concepts of digital literacy in a concise, bullet-point format." This makes the response more tailored and specific to your needs.

2. One-Shot Prompting

• Definition: Providing one example to guide the AI in crafting a response.
• Example: "Describe the concept of 'resilience' in leadership, giving one example from a well-known leader."
• Best For: Clarifying specific concepts or terms, offering precise guidance through a single example.

One-shot prompting helps narrow down the focus. By providing a single example, you guide the AI toward the desired direction, ensuring more accurate and context-aware responses. It's particularly useful for slightly more nuanced topics where you need the AI to consider a specific approach or angle.

Tip: Define the audience (e.g. leadership trainees) and use analogies to make the explanation more relatable. For instance, "Describe 'resilience' in leadership for new managers using an example of a famous leader." This helps in aligning the response with the audience's understanding.

3. Few-Shot Prompting

• Definition: Offering 2-5 examples to help the AI identify patterns and provide richer responses.
• Example: "Give three different scenarios where augmented reality can enhance education."
• Best For: Achieving a more nuanced understanding and exploring diverse applications of a topic or concept.

When you need depth and variety, few-shot prompting is the answer. Providing multiple examples allows the AI to learn patterns and apply a broader range of knowledge, resulting in more comprehensive responses.

Tip: Include context or terminology relevant to the field (e.g. "augmented reality in education") to narrow down the scope and focus the AI's response on relevant details.

4. Iterative Prompting

• Definition: Asking follow-up questions or refining initial prompts based on previous AI responses.
• Example: "What are the benefits of offering maker spaces in libraries? Now, focus specifically on how they support STEM education."
• Best For: Diving deeper into specific aspects of a topic, refining the focus to enhance the depth of responses.

Iterative prompting allows for dynamic and evolving conversations with the AI. By building on previous responses, you can explore a topic in detail, uncovering various layers and perspectives.

Tip: Use questions to drive deeper exploration and ask the AI to consider multiple perspectives or counterarguments for balanced insights. This technique is ideal for complex topics that require thorough exploration from various angles.

​By mastering these core prompting techniques, you’ve taken your first step toward building more meaningful and accurate interactions with AI. Whether you’re crafting simple inquiries or laying the groundwork for deeper exploration, these basics will serve as your compass. In the next post, we’ll dive deeper into advanced prompting strategies that unlock the true potential of AI in professional contexts. Stay tuned for more!

As technology continues to advance, embracing discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) in our professional circles becomes increasingly vital. Recently, I had the opportunity to facilitate a structured yet casual conversation among librarian peers about AI, focusing on its implications and potential applications in our field. This blog post shares my approach and resources used, aiming to inspire and guide other professionals interested in conducting similar discussions.

​To ensure a comprehensive foundation for our discussion, participants were first emailed a detailed handout about a week in advance of the meeting. This document served to introduce essential concepts related to AI and ChatGPT, offering insights into how these technologies function, current applications, and key terms such as ‘Generative Pre-trained Transformer’, ‘Large Language Models’, and ‘Machine Learning.’ By explaining core concepts the handout helped equip participants with a uniform understanding, paving the way for a more productive discussion. The handout also helped level the playing field so that all participants, regardless of their prior knowledge of AI, could engage meaningfully.

​Alongside the handout, a word cloud activity was employed to gauge initial sentiments about AI. Each participant was asked to select up to ten words from a list of fifty, reflecting their feelings and views on AI. This exercise not only prepared participants mentally for the discussion but also visually illustrated the group’s collective sentiments, highlighting prevalent themes like ‘curiosity’, ‘caution’, and ‘possibility’.

​Our discussion began with an analysis of the word cloud, focusing on the frequency and context of chosen words. This segment proved to be an excellent icebreaker, but also a revealing lens into the prevailing attitudes towards AI within the group. The analysis highlighted a mix of intrigue and prudence, with words like 'curiosity' and 'caution' appearing prominently, indicating a keen interest in exploring AI's potential tempered by an awareness of its ethical and practical challenges. Notably, the frequent selection of 'responsibility' and 'ethical' underscored the group's collective emphasis on the moral dimensions of AI usage. Moreover, the recurrence of terms like 'possibility', 'concern', and 'distrust' emphasized a clear recognition of both the opportunities and risks associated with AI, reflecting a nuanced understanding of AI's impact. This initial exploration set a reflective tone for the discussion that followed.

​Following our initial conversation, I presented ‘Directed Intelligence: AI as a Strategic Tool for Human Enhancement.’ I crafted this presentation to emphasize an understanding of AI as a powerful tool that enhances human capabilities by automating complex tasks that traditionally require human intelligence. By drawing parallels between AI and mechanistic tools, I emphasized that AI functions within the confines of the directives set by its human creators, thereby serving as an extension of human intent. This emphasis helped illustrate how the design and directives given to AI influence its outputs, guiding participants to better understand strategies for utilizing AI to minimize biases and improve accuracy in its applications.

​Later in the presentation, I explored practical AI applications tailored specifically for library services. I explained how AI-driven chatbots could manage routine queries, allowing librarians to dedicate more time to complex patron interactions. I highlighted AI's potential for creative content generation, such as producing thematic reading lists, designing graphics for posters, summarizing texts, and creating engaging questions for book club discussions. Moreover, I discussed how AI could enhance readers’ advisory services and facilitate in-depth discussions on obscure texts. This capability allows patrons and librarians to explore and share excitement about literary works that are less known or discussed within their communities. I shared personal experiences where AI helped me engage with and discuss ideas from texts that were not familiar to my peers, demonstrating AI’s utility in enriching our intellectual engagement with diverse materials.

​The presentation also touched on the ethical dimensions of AI use in libraries, emphasizing the need for continuous oversight to ensure that AI applications align with ethical standards and effectively serve the public good. Recognizing AI’s limitations was a key theme, particularly the need to address biases in AI outputs and the importance of transparency in AI deployments to foster trust among library users.

​The session concluded with a hands-on demonstration of ChatGPT, vividly showcasing its capabilities and discussing its integration into library services to boost user engagement and efficiency. This interactive portion fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, providing practical insights into AI’s applications. Reflecting on the session, it became clear that the broad and complex nature of AI topics necessitates more extensive discussion than our time allowed. To address this, I recommend allocating ample time or scheduling follow-up sessions for such discussions. Additionally, a pre-session poll on participants' familiarity with AI could assist with tailoring content to better meet the audience's needs. Moving forward, I plan to host drop-in Teams meetings to facilitate knowledge sharing, delve deeper into complex and contentious topics, and ensure all participants have the opportunity to engage fully.

​This discussion format not only provided a platform for learning and sharing insights but also demystified AI technology, making it more accessible to library professionals. For those interested in hosting similar discussions, I highly recommend starting with preparatory materials and incorporating interactive elements like live demonstrations and group analyses.

​This approach ensures that participants are not only receivers of information but also active contributors, which enhances the learning experience and fosters a collaborative environment. I hope this guide and shared resources, including the handout, presentation slides, and word cloud analysis, inspire you to facilitate your own AI discussions, advancing our collective understanding and implementation of this transformative technology in the library world.