Registration deadline October 23, 2026 (Fall), March 11, 2027 (Spring)
3 Self-Paced Course Modules
12 Credit Hours
Recommended for public library workers.
$299 | Save with group rates.
AI questions are showing up at the desk, in programming conversations, and in everyday patron interactions. This course gives you the practical foundation to answer them clearly, responsibly, and without pretending you know more than you do.
Clearer ways to explain how current AI tools work and where they fall apart
Support for answering patron questions about safety, privacy, and usefulness
A baseline for programming and public-facing conversations about AI
YOU'RE GETTING AI QUESTIONS... AND YOU'RE NOT SURE YOU KNOW THE ANSWERS.
A patron asks if they should use ChatGPT for a resume or cover letter, and you hesitate because you don’t fully trust the answer you’d give.
A teen tells you AI can do their homework better than they can, and you’re not sure how to push back without sounding out of touch.
Your library wants to offer AI programming, and everyone is waiting for someone else to volunteer.
You’ll leave with a clear, useful foundation for answering real patron questions and talking about AI without sounding vague or alarmist.
Need flexibility? Once materials are released, you can start any time during your 6-month access period and move through the course at your own pace.
Invoice or PO options: Orders of $600 or greater can choose invoice at checkout. For orders under $600, please do not check out online. Submit this form, and we will process your order manually.
When multiple staff take this course, your library can give the public more consistent, accurate answers about AI instead of everyone improvising on their own.
Multi-seat discounts are automatically calculated in the cart.
Explain how today's AI tools actually work, including their limitations, biases, hallucinations, and privacy risks, in plain language your patrons can understand.
Talk confidently about AI with patrons across a wide range of backgrounds, comfort levels, and prior knowledge.
Design and facilitate basic AI literacy programming for your community.
Apply critical evaluation frameworks you already use for other information sources to assess AI tools.
Position your library as a credible, balanced, and community-centered resource in local conversations about AI.
Stay oriented in a fast-changing landscape by building a foundation of knowledge that holds up even as specific tools evolve.
You will leave with the confidence and practical tools to help your community navigate AI, whatever questions they walk in with next.
This course is especially helpful for:
Public library staff working directly with patrons
Reference and information services librarians answering questions in real time
Adult services, teen services, and programming staff
Managers and directors exploring AI programming or staff guidance
Anyone responsible for helping patrons navigate new technologies
If that sounds like your role, you will probably see yourself in this course.
If you are someone who:
Keeps getting AI questions and feels like the answers are a little too vague
Wants to give better guidance but doesn’t fully trust the information out there
Feels pressure to “do something with AI” at your library but isn’t sure where to start
Is unsure how to explain risks like bias, hallucinations, or privacy in a clear way
Wants to feel more confident handling whatever AI question comes next
This course was built for you.
THIS COURSE CONSISTS OF 3 ON-DEMAND MODULES:
Module 1: Helping Library Users Navigate AI
How can library staff help patrons understand and navigate AI, whether they are curious, skeptical, confused, or already using it? This module will explore how to explain AI in plain language, respond to patrons' questions, and provide balanced, practical guidance without needing to be an expert in every tool. You'll leave with ideas for helping patrons navigate AI and creating simple resources to support your community.
Module 2: AI and Its Limits: Helping Patrons Avoid Pitfalls & Misinformation
How can you respond when a patron uses AI in a way that concerns you? What is the role of the library to educate their community on mis- and disinformation without having a dedicated class or professor to do so? This module will discuss how to coach patrons on the limits and pitfalls of AI, and how to approach media literacy and discernment with all types of library users. Leave with ideas for how to help educate your community and build information literacy and resilience.
Module 3: AI and Library Programs: Innovative Approaches
How are libraries using AI in their community programs? What are innovative and cost-effective ideas that can be replicated at libraries regardless of size and budget? This module will explore AI programs that have proven successful in libraries. Leave with ideas for how to replicate and implement similar programs in your organization.
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.
Fernando Aragon, Instructor, Georgia State University; Gwinnett Technical College; Gwinnett County Public Schools
Fernando Aragon served his community for seven years at Gwinnett County Public Library, and is a recipient of Library Journal’s Mover & Shakers 2026 award. He has a passion for teaching and for guiding learners to discover their inherent power and potential to achieve their unique goals. He has taught courses at Georgia State University and Gwinnett Technical College, on a variety of emerging technologies and currently teaches at Gwinnett County Public Schools.
Michael Bartolomeo, Head of Emerging Technologies, South Huntington Public Library
Michael Bartolomeo is Head of Emerging Technologies at the South Huntington Public Library and founder of MikeTalksTech, providing technology workshops and consulting to libraries, organizations, and businesses. A technology librarian for over a decade, he teaches about AI, digital literacy, and online safety, with a focus on making technology make sense for everyone.
AI isn’t a future topic anymore. It’s already showing up in patron questions, job searches, school assignments, and everyday tasks. Libraries are being pulled into the conversation whether they feel ready or not.
This course focuses on what you actually need in those moments. You’ll build a clear understanding of how today’s AI tools work, including where they break down, and how to explain all of that in a way that is accurate and useful. You’ll also learn how to respond to different types of patrons and start building AI literacy programming that fits your community.
This is a fully self-paced, asynchronous online course consisting of 3 modules. Each module includes video instruction, slides, readings, and reflective exercises designed to connect concepts directly to your daily work.
EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT
Each module is designed to take approximately 4 hours to complete, for a total of 12 hours. You may move through the course at your own pace and on your own schedule.
COURSE ACCESS
You will have access to all course materials for six months from the material unlock date. You can start at any point during that window and move through the course at your own pace.
CREDIT & CERTIFICATE
Complete all modules 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.
