The AI Exploration Series will enable library workers to better understand, build confidence, and utilize Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and ChatGPT in their daily work and in their support of library patrons. We will provide practical, hands-on tutorials as well as keynote speakers on a range of issues, and discussion-based workshops that openly consider the pros and cons of this constantly evolving technology.
We hope that the feedback from these Zoom sessions will result in on-going opportunities and training of interest to our library community. Note: For a quick overview and AI related terms, head to this article from BookNet Canada.
Next
- Thursday, May 22, 2025: Generative AI Research Basics with Rich McCue (University of Victoria) at 1:30pm-3:30pm PDT on Zoom.
- Wednesday, June 11, 2025: AI and Libraries: Shaping the Future of Services with Fiona O’Connor (Toronto Public Library) at 11am-12:15pm PDT on Zoom.
Who should attend: Library staff who want to understand the basics of research utilizing AI
Cost: We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, which enables us to offer these events free of charge.
Past
- March 5th, 2025: A Pessimist’s Guide to ‘AI’: Hype, Bias, Environmental Harms and What to Do About Them with Dr. Anne Pasek (Canada Research Chair in Media, Culture, and the Environment)
- January 9th, 2025: Custom AI Models and LibraryRobot.org: a “Deep Dive” Workshop with Reed Hepler (Digital Initiatives Librarian)
- November 21st, 2024: AI and ChatGPT Top Tips for Daily Life & Library Work – a practical session with Cari Lynn Gawletz (Grand Forks & District Public Library)
- October 30th, 2024: Empowering Libraries: Exploring the AI Frontier – a keynote lecture with Dr. Brandy McNeil (Deputy Director of Branch Programs and Services at NYPL, President-Elect of the Public Library Association)
- October 16th, 2024: Best Practises for Hosting AI Workshops at the Public Library – a train the trainer session with Issam Laradji (Data Scientist at Service Now Research / Tech Workshop host at West Vancouver Public Library)
These online presentations via Zoom include 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.