Previous AI Training Engagements

Engagements & Programs

Highlights of partnerships, cohort programs, training series, and one-off events.

Engagement: LibraryLink New Jersey

For the past few years, we've had a great partnership with LibraryLink NJ, the New Jersey library cooperative which serves over 2,500 libraries and library-related agencies. We've conducted numerous professional development workshops as well as intensive co-learning cohort experiences.

New Jersey

AI Ambassadors Program (2023)

Cohort

https://librarylinknj.org/about-us/news/unlocking-world-ai-recap-series

Intensive cohort-based learning experience featuring live Zoom meetings, online discussion listserv, and the launch of our in-house AI training platform, PLAID. We conducted three online workshops for the AI Ambassadors:

  • AI Foundations for Library Technologists
  • AI Tool Time: Explore, Examine, Experience
  • AI Applications in the Library
Hackathon + continued community
Participants met in-person for an all-day "hackathon" event (we helped facilitate remotely) to collaborate on joint projects supporting multiple library systems. We still maintain an active mailing list for this cohort nearly two years later, with former Ambassadors sharing AI-related news and events. Read about their SLAAIT presentations.

Ongoing Professional Development (2023 – ongoing)

Webinars

We've also conducted nearly a dozen "one-off" professional development webinars for LLNJ, outlined later in this section. View full class list on LibraryLinkNJ.

Engagement: Library of Michigan

Michigan

AI Video Training Series (2024 – 2025)

Video

Customized five-part video series for the Library of Michigan's Niche Academy video training site, providing a solid foundation on AI and recent developments.

  • How AI Works
  • AI Risks and Limitations
  • AI Tools and Applications
  • Library Writing Applications of AI
  • Building an AI Training Program

AI Capacity-Building Cohorts (2025 – ongoing)

Cohort

Developed and implemented an AI advanced literacy course to help Michigan library workers build confidence and skills using AI tools—and confidently explain these tools to patrons and colleagues. Includes multiple online workshops, optional office hours, a dedicated mailing list, and our latest in-house AI training and experimentation platform.

Cohort timing
Spring cohort concluded recently; summer cohort kicks off in late May.
Workshop courses include:
  • Library Bot-Builder Workshop
  • Introduction to HuggingFace
  • AI-Driven Community Engagement
  • AI in the Archives
Cohort capstone
Each cohort concludes with a half-day virtual "hackathon" where participants work on AI-related projects and show them off to colleagues in an AI Showcase.

Engagement: WebJunction (OCLC)

OCLC

AI Workshop Series Pilot (Spring 2025)

Hybrid course

Began working with WebJunction in early 2025 to design an AI workshop course for their online learning platform. Hybrid course combining pre-recorded videos, homework assignments, in-person discussions, and an online discussion forum. Also participated in their AI & Public Libraries Town Hall panel in May 2025.

Primary course topics:
  • AI Fundamentals For Library Workers In 2025
  • "Training" Modern AI: Data & Dilemmas
  • Practical AI For Public Libraries: Hands-On Demonstrations

Engagement: CALL Academy (CA. Lib. Assoc.)

California

AI Video Training Series (2023)

Video

Customized five-part video series providing an intensive foundation on AI and related topics for CALL Academy, the California Library Association's Niche Academy video training site. Included online discussion opportunities and "office hours" sessions.

Videos included:
  • Intro to AI
  • How AI Works
  • How AI Is Used
  • Concerns About AI
  • Using AI Tools

One-off Events and Appearances

Select workshops, webinars, keynotes, and conference appearances.

Timeline
Date Event / Organization Role / Session Details
March 2023 Public Libraries AI: Discover, Demonstrations, Discussion Online Summit Organizer, Speaker "Introduction to AI"
April 2023 LibraryLinkNJ Tech Fest 2023 Speaker "Libraries & AI"
October 2023 LibraryLink NJ Professional Development Webinar "Introduction to AI Concepts & Examples"
November 2023 LibraryLink NJ Professional Development Webinar "ChatGPT for Library Staff"
December 2023 Pennsylvania Library Association – Southeast Chapter (SEPLA) Annual Meeting Keynote "Artificial Intelligence & Libraries"
January 2024 Seekonk [MA] Public Library – Staff Development Workshop Designed & delivered four-part webinar training event
  • Introduction to AI Fundamentals
  • ChatGPT Plus Deep Dive
  • Introduction to AI Image Creation
  • AI in Your Library
LibraryLink NJ Professional Development: Webinar "Creating AI Images For Your Library"
February 2024 LibraryLink NJ Professional Development Webinar "AI Integration With Library Data and Operations"
March 2024 Abington [PA] Township Public Library – Staff Development Day 2024 Webinar "AI Fundamentals for Library Workers"
April 2024 Florida Library Webinars (FLW) Webinar "Using AI To Craft and Refine Library Policy Documents"
April 2024 LibraryLink NJ Professional Development Webinar "Crafting AI Policies With AI"
September 2024 ByWater Solutions' "Unlocking the Future: AI Innovations in Libraries" Online Conference Webinar "AI Literacy Made Easier"
January 2025 Florida Library Webinars (FLW) Webinar "AI Literacy Made Easier"
February 2025 LibraryLink NJ Professional Development Webinar "Libraries and Information Literacy in the AI Age"
March 2025 LibraryLinkNJ Professional Development Webinar "Library Bot-Builder Workshop"
May 2025 WebJunction: AI & Public Libraries Town Hall Panelist, Presenter View event page
June 2025 LibraryLinkNJ Professional Development Webinars
     
October 2025 BELS School Library Consortium
https://belsnj.org/
Webinar "AI Fundamentals for Library Workers"
December 2025 Old Bridge Public Library, Old Bridge, NJ Webinar "AI Fundamentals and Tools for Library Workers"