CFP Library 2035

Your Name and Title: Morgan Hanks 

Library, School, or Organization Name: Kent District Library 

Co-Presenter Name(s): N/A

Area of the World from Which You Will Present: Grand Rapids, MI 

Language in Which You Will Present: English 

Target Audience(s):Public Librarians 

Short Session Description (one line): Let’s build the future of public libraries together—where AI, innovation, and collaboration define the next generation of public service. In this session, we’ll explore how public libraries can harness the power of AI by applying lessons learned from the Internet era. We’ll focus on the essential role of exploration, the value of embracing failure, and the importance of building strong communities of practice. Join the conversation as we discover how libraries can learn alongside their patrons, collaborate with non-library institutions, and position themselves at the forefront of public service and technological advancement.

Full Session Description (as long as you would like):

The needle on AI is always moving, and waiting for perfection may mean missing the opportunity to innovate. The best time to get started was yesterday; the next best time is today. Public libraries now have an unprecedented opportunity to lead in AI and technological innovation. In this session, we’ll explore how librarians, as information professionals, can draw lessons from the internet era and apply them to the AI era. From digital collections to online programming, libraries have continuously adapted to new technologies, and AI represents the next frontier. We’ll discuss why embracing a culture of exploration and failure is essential, allowing libraries to build resilience and agility in a rapidly evolving landscape. By learning alongside patrons—much like tech companies iterate through beta and pilot programs—libraries can position themselves as proactive, forward-thinking institutions, ready to meet future challenges. This session will offer tangible strategies for experimenting with AI and innovation in your library today.

Additionally, we’ll explore the power of creating communities of practice within libraries and collaborating with non-library institutions to further drive innovation. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, libraries can maintain their leadership in public service and technology. Participants will leave with actionable steps to build their own communities of practice and begin implementing AI tools in a way that brings patrons into the innovation process. Together, we can shape the future of public libraries, where AI, innovation, and collaboration redefine the next generation of public service.

Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session: kdl.org/ai-summit