Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how information is accessed, organized, and utilized. For librarians, understanding AI tools and their applications can enhance research support, instructional services, and workflow efficiency. This hands-on pre-conference workshop will introduce participants to a range of AI-powered tools relevant to librarianship, provide guided experimentation with different tools, and facilitate discussions on real-world use cases. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge and strategies for integrating AI tools into their professional practice. This workshop will empower librarians to navigate the evolving AI landscape with confidence, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to leverage AI effectively in their professional practice. Workshop Objectives: By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: Identify and evaluate AI tools suitable for different aspects of librarianship, including research support, instruction, and content organization. Experiment with AI tools hands-on to understand their capabilities and limitations. Explore case studies demonstrating successful AI applications in library settings. Discuss ethical considerations and best practices for AI integration. Develop a plan for incorporating AI tools into their workflows. Workshop Format: The workshop will be structured to balance learning, experimentation, and discussion: Introduction to AI in Librarianship (30 min) – Overview of AI technologies, their impact on library services, and key considerations. Exploring AI Tools (50 min) – Guided demonstrations of AI tools for research, instruction, and workflow automation, with opportunities for participants to test them. Break (10 min) Use Cases and Applications (45 min) – Real-world examples of AI in action, presented as short case studies from different library contexts. Hands-on Experimentation (50 min) – Participants engage with AI tools in breakout groups, with the facilitator available to answer questions. Break (10 min) Discussion and Q&A (45 min) – Participants share insights, challenges, and questions about AI implementation. Intended Audience: This workshop is designed for librarians in all roles and settings who are interested in learning about AI tools and their applications. No prior experience with AI is required. Technology Requirements: Participants should bring a laptop or tablet to engage in hands-on activities. Wi-Fi access will be necessary for online tool exploration.
