Advocating for Our Work in the Age of AI
Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific | 11 am Mountain | 12 pm Central)
Cost: Free
Description
SEFLIN
As AI reshapes industries, libraries must advocate for the value of human expertise in metadata, information literacy, and ethical data use. This workshop explores how AI can support - but not replace - library professionals. Learn to navigate stakeholder conversations, identify where AI falls short, and use practical tools and strategies to build efficient, ethical workflows that highlight the critical role of human judgment in the age of AI.
How do we advocate for our work in the age of AI? Will AI replace us?
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, libraries must take an active role in defining the value of human expertise in knowledge organization, data stewardship, and information literacy. This workshop explores strategies for advocating library work in an AI-driven landscape, ensuring that key stakeholders and decision-makers understand the unique contributions of library professionals beyond automated processes.
Participants will examine how AI can assist but not replace human decision-making in areas such as reconciling complex and conflicting policies, making local cataloging and metadata decisions, and upholding ethical standards in data management. We’ll explore real-world scenarios where AI lacks the contextual awareness required for critical judgment and emphasize the human role in media literacy and combating disinformation.
Additionally, attendees will gain practical insights into using AI ethically and responsibly to build efficient workflows without compromising credibility or data stewardship. Through discussions, exercises, and case studies, we will develop strategies for leveraging AI while reinforcing the importance of human oversight in data curation and decision-making.
Attendees will receive a curated selection of AI tools, communication strategies for advocacy, exercises, and resources to help frame discussions with stakeholders, ensuring libraries remain essential in the age of AI.
Intended audience: All library staff, systems librarians, metadata librarians, and those interested in working with AI or data.
Register here
Please note: Registration closes August 12th for this two hour course.