AI Tools for the Overworked School Librarian

AFTER YOU ATTEND THIS COURSE, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO:

• Use AI tools to support core areas of school library work, including research, programming, collection development, instruction, outreach, and marketing.
• Evaluate and implement free and low-cost tools that align with your school’s needs and constraints.
• Teach and model ethical, inclusive, and transparent AI use with students and staff.
• Draft or adapt an AI use policy or agreement for your school or library.
• Create and share ready-to-use resources that support instruction and schoolwide collaboration.
• Understand pricing structures, data privacy implications, and district-specific technology requirements for AI tools.

THIS COURSE CONSISTS OF 4 ON-DEMAND MODULES:

Module 1: Automate & Organize — Streamlining Library Operations with AI

This module focuses on using AI to eliminate routine bottlenecks and streamline daily library operations. You’ll explore tools that support cataloging, inventory, transcription, translation, and 24/7 FAQ coverage. The module also examines how AI can assist with collection development by analyzing usage patterns and suggesting diverse, high-interest titles to address gaps.

Module 2: Promote & Connect — Using AI to Support Research

In this module, you’ll explore how AI can support student research from start to finish. Learn how tools can help students define topics, generate keywords, locate high-quality sources, organize information, and synthesize research into meaningful outcomes. You’ll also examine ways AI can break down complex academic texts to make research more accessible and manageable for all learners.

Module 3: Teach & Program — Co-Creating Instruction and Engagement with AI

Librarians are educators, and AI can serve as a powerful planning partner. This module covers how to design lessons, interactive programs, makerspace activities, and AI-supported research experiences that promote inquiry and engagement. You’ll also learn how to guide students in using AI ethically and responsibly in their academic work.

Module 4: Lead & Evaluate — Ethical AI Use and Future-Ready Librarianship

This final module prepares librarians to lead AI integration with clarity and confidence. You’ll examine data privacy, algorithmic bias, and policy development, while also learning how AI can support impact reporting and advocacy. The focus is on positioning librarians as ethical, future-ready leaders in their schools and districts.

COURSE ADVISOR & INSTRUCTOR

Elissa Malespina, B.C.A.S.E., Teacher Librarian in New Jersey and Author of The AI School Librarians Newsletter

Elissa Malespina is an award-winning school librarian, educational consultant, former school board member, and author who specializes in helping educators and librarians integrate artificial intelligence into teaching and learning. She is the author of AI in the Library: Strategies, Tools and Ethics for Today’s Schools and writes The AI School Librarians Newsletter, a Substack publication focused on practical AI tools, ethical guidance, and instructional strategies.

Outside of her professional work, Elissa is a proud mom and wife, and a fierce advocate for intellectual freedom and educational equity.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE

This course is designed for K–12 school librarians at all levels of AI knowledge who are interested in integrating artificial intelligence into their professional practice.

THIS WILL BE A SELF-PACED, ASYNCHRONOUS COURSE

EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT

This course includes 4 modules, each designed to take approximately 4 hours to complete. You can move through the content at your own pace and on your own schedule. You’ll earn 16 hours of professional development credit and a School Library Journal certificate of completion.

ON-DEMAND ACCESS

You’ll have access to all course materials for six months following enrollment.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Complete the course and earn 16 professional development credit hours. A certificate of completion will be emailed to you.

If you complete all three courses in the AI Literacy in Schools series, you will earn your AI Literacy in Schools certification from School Library Journal.

ACCESSIBILITY

All video recordings feature auto-captioning. Please email course-support@libraryjournal.com upon registration if you require any special accommodations. We will make our best efforts to facilitate them.

SUPPORT

For support with online courses, please contact course-support@libraryjournal.com .

DISCOUNTED RATES ARE AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

Secure your tickets now to lock in the best price.

GROUP RATES

We offer discounts for groups of 3 or more.

For larger groups of 15 or more, we offer the option to apply group rates across multiple courses to receive significant discounts. For more information, select Bulk Course Credits Packages in the form below.

Request Discounted Group Pricing

For support with group purchases, please contact groupsales@libraryjournal.com.