Libraries have long stood as beacons of knowledge, community engagement, and lifelong learning. Yet, in an era defined by rapid technological innovation, libraries face growing pressure to adapt and evolve. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers both opportunities and challenges in this process of transformation opportunities to deepen engagement with patrons and enhance service delivery, and challenges to navigate the complexities of data privacy, ethics, and equity of access.
This book, AI-Powered Libraries: A Practical Guide to Transforming Services and Operations, was born out of a desire to help librarians, administrators, and stakeholders chart a clear path to AI adoption. Through our own experiences in libraries, research, and conversations with AI experts, we've seen firsthand how technology can greatly expand the reach and impact of library services. Yet we also understand that many library professionals grapple with the question, "Where do we begin?" This guide aims to answer that question and more laying out the foundational concepts of AI, examining real-world tools and their applications, offering a structured roadmap for implementation, and showcasing case studies that illustrate how AI can be put into practice successfully.
I have organized this book into four distinct parts. Part I lays the groundwork by defining AI and exploring its relevance in modern libraries. Part II delves into specific AI tools and technologies - from chatbots to intelligent recommendation systems - providing librarians with a practical toolkit for improving patron engagement and streamlining operations. Part III offers a step-by-step approach to planning, budgeting, piloting, and evaluating AI projects, ensuring that libraries can confidently integrate these new technologies at a pace that meets their unique needs. Finally, Part IV features case studies, ethical considerations, and future trends, giving you a holistic view of what AI can and should look like in the evolving library landscape.
Throughout this book, I emphasize responsible implementation and mindful innovation, encouraging libraries to adapt AI solutions that respect patron privacy and uphold equitable access to information. Our hope is that this guide will serve as both inspiration and a practical roadmap, enabling library professionals to not only adopt AI but to do so in a way that preserves the essential mission of libraries as inclusive, vibrant centers of community life.
