AI for Librarians Who Don’t Have Time for This

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

• Explain, in plain language, how generative AI tools work and where their limitations matter in library settings.
• Write clearer, more effective prompts that produce useful results instead of generic output.
• Evaluate AI tools for accuracy, bias, copyright, privacy, and environmental impact before using them professionally.
• Spot realistic ways AI can support internal communication, planning, documentation, and programming development.
• Decide when AI is helpful and when it is not, based on your library’s goals and values.
• Talk confidently with colleagues, administrators, and patrons about what AI can (and can’t) do in your library.

You’ll leave knowing what to try, what to skip, and how to make smart calls without chasing every new tool.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

This course is designed for library staff of any type or level who want a practical, grounded understanding of AI and how it applies to real library work.

• You feel pressure to understand AI because patrons and colleagues are already using it.
• You have experimented with tools like ChatGPT but want a clearer framework for evaluating and using them responsibly.
• You work in programming, instruction, public services, administration, or internal operations and want to understand where AI realistically fits.
• You are cautious about risks and want to make informed decisions rather than reacting to headlines.
• You want a structured introduction that respects your professional judgment instead of overselling the technology.

If you want clarity about AI in libraries without hype or fear, this course will meet you there.

COURSE AGENDA

Subject to change.

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Course & Workshop Introduction | 12:00–12:15 pm ET

An introduction to the course structure and weekly assignments, an overview of what to expect from the online workshop, and time to complete the course pre-assessment.

Session 1: The What and Why of Artificial Intelligence | 12:15–1:30 pm ET

What exactly is artificial intelligence? How did we get here? Will it affect my job? This session introduces the history of AI and provides an overview of the current landscape of chatbots and generative AI tools. You’ll explore the potential benefits of experimenting with AI as a way to enhance your daily library work.

Break | 1:30–1:40 pm ET

Session 2: Ethical Implications and Gotchas of Generative AI | 1:40–2:50 pm ET

Can AI lie? What about bias? Who owns the copyright for AI-generated content? In this session, you’ll examine common ethical concerns associated with generative AI, explore potential risks, and discuss strategies for mitigating those challenges while helping your community navigate AI-related ethical questions.

Break | 2:50–3:00 pm ET

Session 3: Boosting Creativity and Communication with AI | 3:00–4:00 pm ET

Discover how ChatGPT and other AI tools can support common library tasks such as crafting clear communications, planning programs or lessons, and generating creative ideas. Learn how to write strong prompts to improve outputs, use AI responsibly with students and patrons, and spend time experimenting with tools during guided, hands-on practice.

COURSE ADVISOR & INSTRUCTOR

Crystal Trice, CSM, CSM@Scale, Library Consultant, Scissors & Glue, LLC

With over 20 years of experience in education and local government, Crystal Trice is passionate about helping people work together more effectively. In her previous work as a library project coordinator, she managed projects spanning multiple libraries, led cross-functional teams, and ensured continuity of library operations. She also launched new websites as part of a small web team, using usability testing and analytics to guide design decisions.

Crystal is a Certified Scrum Master and holds a Scrum@Scale certification for government. She earned a Master’s degree in Library & Information Science, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Psychology.

Her broad professional background fuels her dedication to community enrichment, and she is enthusiastic about supporting organizations in achieving their goals.

When she’s not working, Crystal enjoys fine-tip Sharpies, multi-colored Flair pens, blue painter’s tape, and as many sticky notes as she can get her hands on. She currently resides near Portland, Oregon, with her husband, fuzzy cows, goofy geese, and noisy chickens.

ALL THE DETAILS

Artificial intelligence is not theoretical anymore. Your patrons are using it. Your colleagues are talking about it. Your administration may be asking about it.

Many library staff have tried tools like ChatGPT or other AI platforms. Few have had structured time to slow down, understand how these systems actually work, and decide how they should fit into library practice.

This course gives you that foundation. You’ll explore practical ways AI can support everyday library work, including internal communication, planning, documentation, and programming development. You’ll experiment with real tools, practice writing effective prompts, and get clearer about when AI is useful and when it is not.

You’ll also examine the questions that matter in libraries: accuracy, bias, copyright, privacy, and environmental impact. The goal is to evaluate tools thoughtfully and make decisions that align with your professional values.

SESSIONS AND PRICING

Early bird pricing ends one month before the session deadline. Course materials unlock on the session deadline date.

GROUP OPTIONS

Training a team? Choose the setup that matches how you want to plan and pay:

Group course enrollment: Enroll 3+ staff in this course and save.

Bulk course credits: Prepay once, get the highest per-seat discount on every course, and assign seats later.

Unlimited annual licensing: System-wide access for a year with no per-course approvals.

Request Discounted Group Pricing

Questions? Email groupsales@libraryjournal.com.

COURSE FORMAT

This will be a half-day live online course and will include:

Live sessions: Guest speaker presentations by leaders in their field. All sessions are recorded for on-demand access for six months after the course ends.

Facilitated discussions: Audience participation in Q&A and discussion with guest speakers.

3-week self-paced workshop: Project-based modules connecting what you’re learning to your professional practice. Includes peer-to-peer sharing via discussion forums.

Online classroom: The virtual learning platform holds all course content and remains accessible for six months after the course ends.

Note: The asynchronous work is designed to be completed over three weeks, but you will have six months of access to work at your own pace.

EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT

If you attend or watch the recording of the live session and complete the 3-module workshop, you’ll spend approximately 12 hours in the course.

ON-DEMAND ACCESS

All live guest speaker sessions are recorded and available on demand for six months following the initial broadcast as part of your purchase.

CREDIT & CERTIFICATE

Complete all course requirements to earn 12 professional development credit hours and a Library Journal certificate of completion, which will be emailed to you.

ACCESSIBILITY

All video recordings feature auto-captioning. If you require accommodations, please email course-support@libraryjournal.com upon registration and we will make our best efforts to support your needs.

SUPPORT

For technical or course-related support, please contact course-support@libraryjournal.com.