Title: AI Workshop Design for Newcomers in Public Libraries: Best practices for creating an informative experience that bridges the digital divide
Description: There is a significant demand for workshops on Artificial Intelligence with tools like ChatGPT, Germini, Claude and others in public libraries as AI is rapidly becoming an essential part of daily life, yet many community members—especially newcomers and immigrants—are left behind.
Programming librarian, Shirley Chan will share some best practices based on her workshop that was specific to newcomers. By attending this workshop, attendees will learn:
- How foundational AI skills can offer Newcomers support to daily life, employment, and continued learning.
- Why an increased awareness of responsible and ethical AI use will foster responsible digital engagement.
- How to assist Newcomers (and others) to build critical evaluation skills with AI-generated results and discover the limitations and risks involved when using AI tools.
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Practical AI Literacy: Implement the “Ask, Tweak, Verify” method for teaching generative AI to low-literacy and non-native English speakers.
- To build up staff confidence to design and plan AI-related programs that meet your community’s needs
- How AI workshops strengthen the role of the public library as an inclusive community hub that bridges the digital divide and supports lifelong learning.
When: Thursday, December 11th at 10am-11:30am PDT on Zoom
Register Today!Who should attend?: All library workers with an interest in AI, although it will be tailored for public libraries, those who offer programming, and those working with newcomers
Cost: We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, which enables us to offer this event free of charge.
About Shirley:
Shirley began her library career as Multicultural Services Librarian at Coquitlam Public Library where she provided information services, managed diverse collections, and coordinated extensive multilingual programming for newcomer communities, including Chinese, Persian, and Korean information programs and cultural events. She developed particular expertise in coordinating bilingual and trilingual cultural celebrations with community partners.
In 2017, her role expanded to include innovation and project management. She coordinated public technology programs featuring 3D printing, virtual reality, and related topics as tech team lead, while developing equipment use policies with the Innovation Hub through 2020. This experience demonstrates her ability to integrate and connect new technology into public library services.
Shirley has demonstrated a strong aptitude for launching new initiatives that expand traditional library programming. She specializes in designing unconventional programs for diverse audiences, including the Library Juried Art Exhibitions for the artist community and the library’s inaugural six-month entrepreneurship course for local business owners. She has co-coordinated major events such as the annual Science Expo, Juried Art Exhibit at the Library and managed numerous high-attendance programs that attracted 100 to 400 participants. Her work consistently bridges cultural and digital divides, strengthening the library’s role as an essential community hub for diverse populations.