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Research: ChatGPT and Readers Advisory

Submitted by Jim Craner on Tue, 06/06/2023 - 8:46pm

In our Library AI workshops, we mention the potential of AI-based tools like ChatGPT to assist with library services like Readers Advisory ("RA"). However, until recently, we only had anecdotal examples of how ChatGPT performed at this task.

So, we've spent some time lately figuring out how to methodically explore ChatGPT's capability as an RA tool.  It's slow going -- we've just dipped our toe in the water, so to speak -- but we see some great potential!

Integrating AI and Data With "Plugins"

Submitted by Jim Craner on Mon, 05/22/2023 - 1:29pm

Hey, everyone! So let's chat about ChatGPT. It's a handy little tool, right? But it does have a couple of quirks that can be annoying. First off, you may have heard of the "training cutoff". In simple terms, it means ChatGPT knows a bunch of stuff...up until the autumn of 2021. After that? It's kinda like it slept through the past year and a half and missed everything post-2021. Another big bummer: it can't browse the web either, so it's stuck with its 2021 knowledge.

Using "Retrieval" To Enhance ChatGPT's Capabilities

Submitted by Jim Craner on Sun, 04/30/2023 - 5:11pm

ChatGPT and other AI systems are becoming more popular, but they have drawbacks such as outdated knowledge and a tendency to provide false information, or "hallucinate" in AI terms. Using the "retrieval" technique in AI-based apps can give you the benefits of a chat interface along with more relevant and timely information.

Scratch in the Library

Dive into the world of Scratch, the free kids programming language, with our comprehensive webinars tailored for library staff. Learn the basics and explore creative applications such as building a sound effects storytime soundboard and animating children's stories. Empower yourself to lead engaging Scratch classes and workshops in your library, fostering the next generation of coding enthusiasts.

image of Scratch coding environmnet

Discover the Future of AI in Public Libraries with The Galecia Group's Virtual Summit

Submitted by Jim Craner on Fri, 03/24/2023 - 7:57am

The Galecia Group is excited to sponsor PLAID3, a free virtual summit dedicated to exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in public libraries. This groundbreaking event, taking place on March 28th, aims to bring library leaders together to discuss and discover how AI can enhance library services, collections, and operations.

As a leader in library technology and innovation, The Galecia Group's mission has always been to empower public libraries with the tools and knowledge needed to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. PLAID3 is a natural extension of this vision, as it provides an opportunity for library professionals to learn about AI, its applications, and its ethical implications in a supportive and interactive environment.

Galecia Video: Exploring IMLS Public Library Survey Data

Submitted by Jim Craner on Mon, 06/10/2019 - 9:12am

Followers of our blog know that we're big fans of the Institute for Museum and Library Science (IMLS) library survey data releases -- these are the most comprehensive sources of data about public libraries in the United States.  So we were very excited this week to see that the FY2017 survey results have been released on the IMLS.gov website!

Not sure how to get started analyzing PLS data?  Check out this video where we introduce the data included in the survey and associated documentation.

 

Analyzing IMLS Data to Find Your Peer Libraries

Submitted by Jim Craner on Mon, 04/01/2019 - 8:16pm

"Peer analysis" is a tool used in finance, management, and even sports -- and you do it unconsciously all the time.  We're simply finding the similar items in a large dataset by one or more dimensions, and then seeing how they compare in other dimensions.  In other words, if you're the director of a small library in Ruraltown, Nebraska, you don't want to compare your library's collection numbers to those larger library systems in Omaha and Nebraska.

Going Beyond "Learn to Code" in the Library: Partnerships and Resources for Delivering Successful Advanced Technical Training

Submitted by admin on Tue, 03/19/2019 - 8:36pm

Abstract: As more libraries offer "learn to code" and digital skills training programs to patrons of all ages, there is a significant opportunity to offer more sophisticated services for advanced learners, even up to the level of professional workforce development. By partnering with local institutions or online programs, libraries can potentially offer in-house training to their community members who might not be otherwise well-suited for traditional in-person or online training programs.