AI Tools for School Libraries (Spring 2026)

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

• Use AI tools to support core areas of school library work: 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. Participants will explore tools that support cataloging, inventory, transcription, translation, and 24/7 FAQ coverage. We'll also examine how AI can assist with collection development by analyzing usage patterns and suggesting diverse, high-interest titles to fill 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—by helping students define their topics, generate keywords, locate high-quality sources, and synthesize information into meaningful outcomes. You’ll also see how tools can assist with organizing sources and breaking down complex academic texts, making 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 own 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. Participants will examine data privacy, algorithmic bias, and policy development. They will also learn how to use AI to support impact reporting and advocacy. The focus is on positioning librarians as ethical, future-ready leaders in their schools and districts.

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

Elissa Malespina is an award-winning school librarian, educational consultant, former school board member, and author who specializes in helping educators and librarians integrate AI 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 work, she's a proud mom, 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 with all levels of AI knowledge.

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 PD credit and a School Library Journal certificate of completion.

ON-DEMAND ACCESS:

You'll have access to all course materials for six months.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION:

Complete the course and earn 16 professional development credit hours. We provide a certificate that is emailed to you

If you complete all 3 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 and 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.