We are pleased to offer our new Public Libraries & AI workshops as both a series and as individual standalone workshops. All content is continually updated with the latest news, developments, and techniques. In addition, each attendee will use our integrated PLAID AI training & experimentation platform so you can try while you learn!
Our unique Public Library Artificial Intelligence Demonstration ("PLAID") platform is the foundation of our AI training efforts. This cloud-based program provides a simple and affordable way for library staff to try cutting-edge AI tools. PLAID features include:
- AI chat interface (based on OpenAI GPT-3.5)
- integrated prompt library
- AI image generation tool (choose from OpenAI's DALL-E2 or Stable Diffusion 2.1)
Workshop Series
Our four Public Libraries & AI workshops are offered as a unified series on Thursdays, beginning June 1st. A new series has been added for September! Descriptions are provided below. (An optional fifth session for Q&A, independent projects and group discussions will be provided on June 29th / October 5th.)
September Session Dates: Thursdays; September 7th, September 14th, September 21st, September 28th, October 5th (optional)
- 10am-11am PT [1pm-2pm ET]
Live, 1-hour instructional webinar - 11am-12pm PT [2pm-3pm ET]
"Open Lab" practice session
Registration: $350 for the 5-part series
January 2024 Session Dates: Thursdays; January 4th, January 11th, January 18th, January 25th, Feb. 1st (optional)
- 10am-11am PT [1pm-2pm ET]
Live, 1-hour instructional webinar - 11am-12pm PT [2pm-3pm ET]
"Open Lab" practice session
Registration: $350 for the 5-part series (opens August 1st)
Individual Workshop Sessions
Each of the four workshops is also offered individually as a standalone workshop periodically.
- 10am-11am PT [1pm-2pm ET]
Live, 1-hour instructional webinar - 11am-12pm PT [2pm-3pm ET]
"Open Lab" practice session
Registration: $110/session; dates and registration
links for each individual session are listed below
Workshop Descriptions
Introduction to AI Concepts & Examples
Learning Objective: Understand the basic concepts underlying modern AI systems, including what these systems can and can't do.
This introductory workshop provides a simple "from-the-ground-up" explanation of modern AI, including the AI training process, current applications, and possible future uses. You'll use our PLAIDchat interface in this class so that you can immediately try as you learn.
Register for the Tuesday, August 1st individual session
ChatGPT for Library Staff
Learning Objective: Develop a comprehensive understanding of using ChatGPT to support library operations, programs, and services.
Discover the power of ChatGPT and learn advanced prompt engineering techniques to improve staff productivity and efficiency in your library. You'll use our PLAIDchat interface in this class so that you can immediately try as you learn.
Register for the Tuesday, August 8th individual session
Creating AI Images for your Library
Learning Objective: Acquire the skills to create engaging and compelling images for library marketing materials using AI tools.
Master the use of AI tools like DALL-E2 and Midjourney to create and edit images for your library's promotions. Learn about mask/fill techniques, copyright issues, and AI features in existing tools such as Canva. You'll use our PLAIDapp interface to access OpenAI's DALL-E2 image service to create your own images in this session.
Register for the Tuesday, August 15th individual session
AI Integration with Library Data and Operations
Learning Objective: Understand how to integrate AI services into library operations for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.
Explore the integration of AI into your library's existing tools, processes, and operations to maximize efficiency. Learn about building a chat-powered knowledge base, ILS integration, discovery layer possibilities, and chatbots in Slack and Teams. You'll use our PLAIDchat interface in this class so that you can immediately try what you've learned.
Register for the Tuesday, August 22nd individual session