AI vs Librarian Readers Advisory

Join us for a discussion of the importance of human connection in the library as generative AI increasingly fills the role of confidant, counsellor, and content creator. We will break down how different digital services (like OverDrive, Naxos, NoveList, and more) curate their content using artificial intelligence, algorithms, or humans, and why this difference matters. Whether you’re hoping to improve your reader’s advisory skills or are contemplating breaking up with Spotify, this conversation will prepare you to better understand and explain the irreplaceability of library workers and why receiving a good recommendation is like talking to a good friend.

Outcomes:

• Attendees will be able to recognize the importance of curation in shaping culture
• Understand the difference between algorithms, AI, and human knowledge organization
• Analyze the ways that different library digital resource vendors are integrating AI into their products
• Contextualize the rise of AI within a cultural climate of censorship, overwhelm, loneliness
• Celebrate the unique skills of library workers and the value of human connection and community found in libraries

Registration is now closed

Cost: We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Housing & Municipal Affairs, which enables us to offer this event free of charge.

Who should attend: All library workers interested in AI, especially those involved with reader’s advisory and collection development

Presenters: Allison Jones & Brooklyn Kemp of Greater Victoria Public Library

Allison Jones (they/them) is the Senior Librarian, Technical Services at Greater Victoria Public Library. They are interested in digital literacy as it relates to all aspects of library work, and have approached this through their work in public services, systems, and collections. They are the chair of CUPE 410’s ad hoc AI Committee, which is focused on understanding, educating members about, and responding to the proposed and potential future adoption of AI at GVPL.

Brooklyn Kemp (she/they) is a Librarian in the Middle Childhood & Tween Literacy portfolio at the Greater Victoria Public Library. They are passionate about the role of public libraries in the sociopolitical landscape, creating accessible, functional, and welcoming spaces, and creating ‘library magic’ through readers’ advisory.

BCLA events are all Pacific Time, hosted online via Zoom, which includes closed captioning. If you have any accessibility needs to attend these sessions, please contact Natalie Porter, BCLA Professional Development Coordinator in advance and BCLA will do our best to support you.

BCLA expects anyone attending to honour the Online Community Guidelines, to help create a positive environment that values accountability, respect, and a willingness to learn from each other.