In the past year or two, CALL has increasingly received requests from library workers who need support navigating Artificial Intelligence (AI) thoughtfully, responsibly, and with confidence.
Our recent needs assessment reinforced this loud and clear. Library workers across roles and library types are asking not only how to use AI tools, but also how to understand its potential impacts on libraries and communities. In response, CALL is making AI a key area of focus this year.
A Broad Approach to AI Learning
CALL’s approach to AI training is intentionally wide-ranging. Rather than focusing on a single tool or point of view, our offerings are designed to help library workers explore AI from multiple angles, including:
- Understanding AI risks and potential harms
- Supporting community members who are using or asking about AI tools
- Practical uses of AI in library and administrative work
- Leadership considerations and decision-making around AI in libraries
We know AI is not a simple or settled topic. There are real opportunities, real concerns, and many open questions. Our goal is to help participants engage with multiple perspectives, ask hard questions, and develop informed, thoughtful approaches grounded in library values.
What’s Coming Up
We will be offering a variety of AI-related trainings throughout the year. Here are some of the trainings that are coming up:
- Friday, Feb. 13, 11:00-12:00: AI Scams: Protecting Yourself and Others (Presenter: Steve Hargadon)
- Tuesday, Feb. 24, three sessions: AI Clarity: Helping Patrons (and You!) Understand AI (Presenter: Jim Craner)
- Thursday, Feb. 26, self-paced: AI for Librarians Who Don’t Have Time for This: A Practical Start (Presenter: Crystal Trice)
- Tuesday, March 10, 1:00-5:00: From Learning to Leading: AI Safety Training for Libraries – Davis in-person (Presenter: Andres Ramirez)
- Wednesday, March 11, 1:00-5:00: From Learning to Leading: AI Safety Training for Libraries – Scotts Valley/Santa Cruz in-person (Andres Ramirez)
- Friday, March 13, 1:00-5:00: From Learning to Leading: AI Safety Training for Libraries – Long Beach in-person
- Tuesday, March 24, three sessions: AI Studio: Creating Words, Images and More with AI (Presenter: Jim Craner)
- Tuesday, April 24, three sessions: Just the Facts: Knowledge, Research and Information in the AI Age (Presenter: Jim Craner)
- Tuesday, May 26, three sessions: Equity Lens: Addressing AI Equity and Community Concerns (Presenter: Jim Craner)
We will continue adding topics throughout the year, so we recommend checking the CALL calendar frequently. You can also find recordings of past AI presentations in CALL Academy.
Supporting Libraries Through Change
Libraries have always played a critical role in helping communities navigate new technologies, providing access, resources, and trusted guidance. As AI becomes more visible in everyday life, that role feels as important as ever. We look forward to learning alongside participants as we explore what AI means for libraries and how we can approach what comes next with care and intention.