Format: Webinar, September 21, 2026
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour
AI is affecting everyone - including your patrons. Join us for a presentation on the role public libraries can play in ensuring communities nationwide can decide for themselves what a good AI future looks like. This webinar will cover common AI scenarios you might encounter with patrons and how to respond. Additionally, learn about a vision for how a library can be a leader in the community through hosting discussions. The presenter will share free resources you can use at your convenience to learn about AI alongside your community.
Presented by: Andres Ramirez, Director of Partnerships, AI Safety Awareness Project
Format: Webinar, original date September 10, 2026
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour
Generative AI continues to integrate into our daily lives, and public libraries can play an important role in helping their communities understand these technologies. Everyone needs to understand GenAI's potential and limitations - regardless of whether someone uses a particular tool. Through their daily interactions with the public, librarians see how using these powerful tools can produce intentional and unintentional harm. This session will give an overview of how to work, live, and thrive in a world with GenAI. Panelists will share resources librarians can use to continue their own professional development and support their communities.
Presented by:
- Jevin West, Professor and the Associate Dean for Research, University of Washington Information School
- Carl Bergstrom, Professor, University of Washington Department of Biology
- Stacey Wedlake, Senior Research Scientist, University of Washington Information School
Format: Webinar, May 21, 2026
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour
In just the past year, AI has advanced at a pace that has stunned even leading experts. These systems aren’t science fiction anymore—they’re reshaping work, relationships, and even crime in real time. This fast-paced, beginner-friendly interactive webinar explores AI's current capabilities and what we know about where it is headed. Ramirez will explain why AI is quite proficient at some tasks while it performs poorly on others. AI safety concepts will be a significant part of the presentation. Leave with knowledge that will help you and your library be more prepared to serve your communities.
Presented by: Andres Ramirez, Director of Partnerships, AI Safety Awareness Project
Format: Webinar, original date May 1, 2025
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length: 1 hour
The adoption and advancement of AI technologies has been swift, extensive, and...overwhelming. After assessing community interests and needs around AI in a recent poll (summarized here), WebJunction is bringing together a group of library leaders and technologists with AI expertise to discuss some of the main themes identified in the poll results, and their professional perspectives on the questions and opportunities that AI presents. Attendees will come away with a deeper understanding of AI and its applications in public libraries, and strategies for addressing AI with the public.
Presented by:
- Jon Braun, Online Learning & Digital Content Specialist, LibraryLinkNJ
- Phillip Carter, MLIS, Director, Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library System (MS)
- Dianne Connery, Development Director, Pottsboro Library (TX)
- Jim Craner, Library Technologist, The Galecia Group
Format: Webinar, original date August 9, 2023
Hosted by: WebJunction
Length:1 hour 30 minutes
Join this webinar to explore the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and applications for libraries. Learn about AI fundamentals, its relevance to libraries of all sizes and types, and how it can enhance services and engage communities. Discover various uses of AI, such as data analysis and service development, and gain practical tips on integrating AI using affordable and accessible tools. Ethical considerations and challenges associated with AI implementation will also be discussed, including privacy, security, and bias mitigation. Don't miss this chance to expand your knowledge, improve library services, and enable communities to benefit from the latest AI advancements.
Presented by: Linda W Braun, Juan Rubio and Dianne Connery