ArLA 2024 Annual Conference

Artificial intelligence (AI) transforms how libraries operate and serve our communities. This session, led by Leo S. Lo, Dean of the University of New Mexico Libraries and President of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), will explore the role of AI in academic libraries and the critical need for AI literacy among library professionals. Participants will gain insights from national surveys on AI literacy among library workers and learn about innovative upskilling programs like the GPT-4 Exploration Program.
The session will provide actionable strategies for integrating generative AI tools into library operations, enhancing staff competencies, and fostering ethical and responsible use of AI in the academic library setting. Attendees will leave equipped with knowledge and practical steps to become AI leaders in their institutions, unlocking the potential of AI to transform library services and contribute to workforce development initiatives.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the current landscape of AI literacy among academic library professionals.
- Identify key areas for AI training and professional development within libraries.
- Explore practical applications of generative AI tools to enhance library services.
- Gain strategies for ethical AI implementation in libraries, with a focus on privacy, accuracy, and human oversight.

Following ACRL President Leo Lo's exploration of artificial intelligence in academic libraries, Arkansas librarians from diverse academic institutions will discuss how generative AI has influenced their institutions. They will share insights on its practical applications, impact on their work, and policies for ethical use.
By the end of the panel discussion, participants will:

• Identify effective uses of generative AI tools in library work.
• Explore various perspectives on AI adoption.
• Discuss policies to ensure ethical AI use in higher education.

This panel aligns with the conference theme, "The Next Chapter," by highlighting AI as a significant advancement in library and educational technologies.

Cindy Hohl, director of policy analysis and operational support at Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library, is the current 2024-2025 American Library Association (ALA) President. Her primary intention is to lobby against library defunding and book bans, which has. Hohl is the second Native American to be elected president of ALA, she is a member of the Santee Sioux Nation of Nebraska.
Hohl is past president of the American Indian Library Association and an active member of other ALA affiliates, including the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association, Black Caucus of the ALA, Chinese American Librarians Association, and Reforma: the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking. As a member of the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of ALA, she currently cochairs the Membership Advisory Group and was a member of the PLA Strategic Plan Review Team. Hohl is a member of several round tables, including the Intellectual Freedom Round Table, Library Research Round Table, and Social Responsibilities Round Table.

This session challenges the misconception that public libraries prioritize children's and teen programming over adults. It addresses budget constraints and the need for strategic planning to offer adult programs at accessible times. Attendees will gain:

• A toolbox of low-to-no-cost programming ideas for adults.
• Strategies for timing and outreach to promote adult programs effectively.
• An open discussion on the importance and breadth of adult programming in libraries. The session aims to empower libraries to cater effectively to adult patrons' need for connection and affordable entertainment.

This session explores how a library transformed into a vital hub for students, particularly during the renovation of their student union which displaced usual meeting spots. This transition led to increased library visits, prompting initiatives to promote learning resources and community activities.

To engage students, the library introduced fun events like karaoke, line dancing, and paint and sip sessions on Fridays, gathering valuable feedback in the process. Emphasizing the importance of student involvement, collaboration was necessary to understand preferences for technological tools and conveniences. Student feedback resulted in additions such as the Glow Forge Machine, a one-button studio, and a TruTouch board, alongside practical improvements like enhanced charging stations and expanded fiction collections.

The presentation highlights the challenges and successes in creating a dynamic, student-focused library. Attendees will gain insights into showcasing library resources creatively for increased user engagement, developing adaptive skills to navigate changes, and implementing effective methods to gather and utilize student feedback. The session aims to equip library professionals with strategies to better serve their communities by responding to evolving needs.

In this session, librarians from several academic institutions will discuss ways academic and school librarians can collaborate for college readiness. 

The discussion will include the overlap in education standards, points of connection to address together, and possible communities of practice to develop in the future.