New Workshop: "Research & AI: Principles and Practices for Using AI Tools"

RESEARCH AND AI:
Principles and Practices for Using AI Tools
A Library 2.0 "AI Deep Dive" Workshop with Reed Hepler

OVERVIEW: 

This 90-minute workshop explores the transformative potential of AI in academic research and digital information literacy.

We will address both the advantages and limitations of AI tools, focusing on aspects such as information gathering, critical analysis, and responsible use. We will examine tools like ChatGPT, Semantic Scholar, and Perplexity for streamlining the research process, including conducting literature reviews, refining search queries, and organizing information sources.

The session also tackles AI's known pitfalls, such as "hallucinations," biases, and programmed rapport, which may unintentionally shape perceptions of AI’s capabilities. By understanding AI’s inner workings, attendees will be better prepared to use these tools effectively while maintaining a critical perspective.

We will further describe strategies for developing critical thinking skills tailored to AI's unique outputs, emphasizing the SIFT framework for evaluating accuracy, bias, and relevance in AI-generated responses. Through practical exercises, attendees will learn to ask the right questions, examine outputs for logical consistency, and assess potential bias within AI responses. The webinar will underscore the role of critical thinking in using AI ethically, especially as these tools evolve in sophistication and potential influence. By exploring these topics, the session aims to empower researchers and information professionals to use AI tools thoughtfully, benefiting their research and fostering digital literacy.

Finally, we will focus on integrating AI into the research workflow responsibly, exploring techniques for quality-checking AI outputs, identifying misinformation and disinformation, and evaluating sources for credibility. Practical demonstrations and real-world examples will illustrate these concepts, preparing participants to navigate the complexities of digital information sources in a rapidly changing landscape. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on employing AI tools to enhance their research and information literacy practices.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand the functions and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT, Semantic Scholar, and Perplexity in academic research
• Develop critical thinking skills tailored to assessing AI-generated information, including identifying bias and evaluating accuracy
• Gain practical techniques for integrating AI responsibly into the research workflow

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completing this webinar, attendees will be able to:

• Use AI tools to assist with literature reviews, refine search queries, and summarize research findings
• Identify and critically evaluate potential biases, inaccuracies, and sources of misinformation in AI-generated responses
• Create structured research outputs by synthesizing, organizing, and quality-checking information using AI tools, fostering responsible and informed digital literacy practices

This 90-minute online hands-on workshop is part of our Library 2.0 "Ethics of AI" Series. The recording and presentation slides will be available to all who register.

DATE: Friday, December 13th, 2024, 2:00 - 3:30 pm US - Eastern Time

COST:

• $129/person - includes live attendance and any-time access to the recording and the presentation slides and receiving a participation certificate. To arrange group discounts (see below), to submit a purchase order, or for any registration difficulties or questions, email admin@library20.com.

TO REGISTER: 

Click HERE to register. You can pay by credit card, and you will receive an email within a day with information on how to attend the event live and then your permanent access to the event recording. See below for group registrations. If you are paying for someone else to attend, you'll be prompted to send an email to admin@library20.com with the name and email address of the actual attendee.

If you need to be invoiced or pay by check, if you have any trouble registering for a webinar, or if you have any questions, please email admin@library20.com.

NOTE: please check your spam folder if you don't receive your confirmation email within a day.

SPECIAL GROUP RATES (email admin@library20.com to arrange):

• Multiple individual log-ins and access from the same organization paid together: $99 each for 3+ registrations, $75 each for 5+ registrations. Unlimited and non-expiring access for those log-ins.
• The ability to show the webinar (live or recorded) to a group located in the same physical location or in the same virtual meeting from one log-in: $399.
• Large-scale institutional access for viewing with individual login capability: $599 (hosted either at Learning Revolution or in Niche Academy). Unlimited and non-expiring access for those log-ins.

ALL-ACCESS PASSES: This webinar is not a part of the Library 2.0 or Learning Revolution All-Access programs.

REED C. HEPLER

Reed Hepler is a digital initiatives librarian, instructional designer, artificial intelligence practitioner and consultant, and M.Ed. student at Idaho State University in the Instructional Design and Technology program. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, with emphases in Archives Management and Digital Curation, from Indiana University. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in History with minors in Anthropology and Religious Studies as well as a Museum Certificate. He has worked at nonprofits, corporations, and educational institutions encouraging information literacy and effective education. Combining all of these degrees and experiences, Reed strives to promote ethical librarianship and educational initiatives.

Currently, Reed works as a Digital Initiatives Librarian at a college in Idaho and also has his own consulting firm, heplerconsulting.com. His views and projects can be seen on his LinkedIn page or his blog, CollaborAItion, on Substack. Contact him at reed.hepler@gmail.com for more information.

New Webinar: "Thriving at Work: Practical Strategies for Better Days in the Library"

 

Thriving at Work:
Practical Strategies for Better Days in the Library
Part of the Library 2.0 Service, Safety, and Security / Essential Librarian Series with Crystal Trice,
hosted by Dr. Steve Albrecht

OVERVIEW: 

Does it feel like you’re just going through the motions at work, that you are often surviving rather than thriving? Do you find it hard to bring enthusiasm and your authentic self to your job because of the "daily grind” of patron interactions, circulation duties, organizational programming, or even staff management?

Between budget constraints, changing behavioral norms, evolving technology demands, and the constant balance of serving both traditional and emerging community needs, today's library staff face unique challenges that can drain even the most passionate professionals.

In this one-hour introductory webinar, we'll explore practical strategies to help you to not just get through the day but to rediscover purpose and satisfaction in your daily work. We’ll explore techniques for managing time and tasks effectively, navigating workplace conflicts, and reconnecting with the aspects of library work that first drew you to this field–whether that was promoting literacy, serving your community, or creating welcoming spaces for learning and discovery.

LEARNING AGENDA:

• How to identify and reframe the parts of your job you enjoy.
• Practical tips for managing time and tasks to reduce overwhelm.
• A glimpse into resolving common workplace conflicts.
• A foundation for thriving in your role and setting the stage for future growth.

This 60-minute overview session on is another in our “Essential Librarian Series,” designed to be shown to new staff and leaders and to provide a refresher for all who work in the library. The presentation slides will be available to all who participate.

DATE: Thursday, December 12th, 2024, at 2:00 pm US - Eastern Time

COST:

• $99/person - includes any-time access to the recording and the presentation slides and receiving a participation certificate. To arrange group discounts (see below), to submit a purchase order, or for any registration difficulties or questions, email admin@library20.com.
• FREE for those on individual or group all-access passes for the Dr. Albrecht Safe Library Series (see below).

TO REGISTER: 

Email address of attendee:

Use the payment box above to register and pay. You can pay by credit card. You will receive an email within a day with information on how to attend the webinar live and how you can access the permanent webinar recording. If you are paying for someone else to attend, you'll be prompted to send an email to admin@library20.com with the name and email address of the actual attendee.

If you need to be invoiced or pay by check, if you have any trouble registering for a webinar, or if you have any questions, please email admin@library20.com.

NOTE: please check your spam folder if you don't receive your confirmation email within a day.

SPECIAL GROUP RATES (email admin@library20.com to arrange):

• Multiple individual log-ins and access from the same organization paid together: $75 each for 3+ registrations, $65 each for 5+ registrations. Unlimited and non-expiring access for those log-ins.
• The ability to show the webinar (live or recorded) to a group located in the same physical location or in the same virtual meeting from one log-in: $299.
• Large-scale institutional access for viewing with individual login capability: $499 (hosted either at Library 2.0 or in Niche Academy). Unlimited and non-expiring access for those log-ins.

ALL-ACCESS PASSES:

• This program qualifies for free participation by Safe Library / Dr. Albrecht all-access pass-holders and pass-holding organizations.
• All-access annual passes include unlimited access to the recordings of all of Dr. Albrecht's previous Library 2.0 webinars, plus live and recorded access to his new webinars for one year. These are hosted either at Library 2.0 or Niche Academy (if preferred).
• For a $499 individual all-access annual pass to all of Dr. Albrecht's live webinars and recordings for one year, please click here. 
• Inquiries for all-access organizational contracts should be directed to admin@library20.com.

CRYSTAL TRICE

With over two decades of experience in libraries and education, Crystal Trice is passionate about helping people work together more effectively in transformative, but practical ways. As founder of Scissors & Glue, LLC, Crystal partners with libraries and schools to bring positive changes through interactive training and hands-on workshops. She is a Certified Scrum Master and has completed a Masters Degree in Library & Information Science, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. She is a frequent national presenter on topics ranging from project management to conflict resolution to artificial intelligence. She currently resides near Portland, Oregon, with her extraordinary husband, fuzzy cows, goofy geese, and noisy chickens. Crystal enjoys fine-tip Sharpies, multi-colored Flair pens, blue painters tape, and as many sticky notes as she can get her hands on.

DR. STEVE ALBRECHT

Since 2000, Dr. Steve Albrecht has trained thousands of library employees in 28+ states, live and online, in service, safety, and security. His programs are fast, entertaining, and provide tools that can be put to use immediately in the library workspace with all types of patrons.

In 2015, the ALA published his book, Library Security: Better Communication, Safer Facilities. His new book, The Safe Library: Keeping Users, Staff, and Collections Secure, was just published by Rowman & Littlefield.

Steve holds a doctoral degree in Business Administration (D.B.A.), an M.A. in Security Management, a B.A. in English, and a B.S. in Psychology. He is board-certified in HR, security management, employee coaching, and threat assessment.

He has written 25 books on business, security, and leadership topics. He lives in Springfield, Missouri, with six dogs and two cats.

More on The Safe Library at thesafelibrary.com. Follow on X (Twitter) at @thesafelibrary and on YouTube @thesafelibrary. Dr. Albrecht's professional website is drstevealbrecht.com.