Technology
"Recommended for all librarians seeking a path to integrate AI into lessons and library management."
— School Library Journal
The all-in-one resource explores the many services and resources provided by public libraries to close the digital divide and create more digitally inclusive communities, supporting readers in their own efforts.
This book offers a compelling vision for libraries to claim their central role as trusted stewards of knowledge and architects of a responsible and equitable AI-driven world.
Technology expert Hastings highlights the first attempts of libraries across the country to set up policies for the use of AI in their organizations, as well as policies created by cities and other similar institutions, to guide stakeholders in creating their own smart, forward-thinking course of action. Succinct and pragmatic, this timely resource
- provides a short overview of Generative AI history, basic technical knowledge, and the key arguments put forth by those in favor and those opposed to this technology;
- offers advice on discovering how library staff encounter AI in their day-to-day work, both in their own usage and by patrons, to inform what policies the library needs and which policies to consider adjusting for particular use cases;
- includes separate chapters focusing on staff-side policy and patron/public-facing policy, delving into essential considerations like staff training, privacy and data protection, security, AI usage for reference, patron education and AI literacy, and setting limits and boundaries on patron AI use;
- suggests useful approaches to ensure that AI policies are easy to follow and understand by library workers, patrons, and the wider community;
- discusses how to craft flexible procedures that can be updated as AI continues to change, drawing on technology management best practices; and
- offers links to additional resources like sample policy documents and a curated reading list for understanding the environment around AI.
Providing concrete guidance on integrating accessibility into all aspects of a library’s digital work, this book will serve as your one-stop guide to accessibility standards, processes, and best practices.
This best-selling guide, newly refreshed and updated, will give readers at every stage of their career a sound and sensible way to consider, access, and use library technologies to better meet the needs of their patrons and communities.
This book provides librarians, information professionals, and data managers with an accessible guide to building their own automated cataloging systems.
This book outlines the key changes over the last 30 years that have led to this moment, what is changing in terms of how data is being used to create new products and services and what this means for how organizations can adapt to the emerging data-driven and AI landscape.
"It doesn’t just present solutions – it sparks questions ... It’s rare to find a professional text that is both informative and creatively stimulating." — Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association
Packed with tips, worksheets and real-life examples as well as covering key areas, this book provides a comprehensive reference for anyone looking to enter or working in digital content in the cultural sector.
"Any information professional or student wanting a considered overview of some of the key metrics for providing information services in a digital world would be advised to read it."
— Elucidate
"This work can be a worthwhile and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in this subject, whether or not data are a direct part of their work or academic pursuits."
— Choice
This guide details how to start a creative space from scratch as well as how to develop or adjust an existing service to follow best practices.
