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AI tools are coming to automate all aspects of work, leaving humans to do what we do best: work with each other. This article discusses how AI tools for librarians are poised to reinvent everything from book recommendations, to archiving rare materials, from automating daily tasks, to assisting patrons with research.
While some may view AI as a threat to librarians' jobs, I see it as an opportunity to elevate our roles and better serve our communities. AI can handle routine and mundane tasks, freeing librarians to focus on higher-level duties like teaching critical thinking, curating collections, and helping patrons navigate an increasingly complex information landscape.
The 30 AI tools for librarians highlighted in this article represent the cutting edge of this transformation. From AI writing assistants to automated cataloging to AI-powered reading companions for children, these innovations promise to make our libraries more efficient and better able to meet the diverse needs of the people we serve.
Librarians can use Research Rabbit to uncover the latest and greatest ideas that will truly transform our libraries! Stay on the cutting edge of innovations in library science so we can provide patrons with the best possible resources and services.
Curating knowledge is at the heart of what librarians do. PuzzleLabs can help us organize information into treasure troves of wisdom that will inspire curiosity and learning for our patrons of all ages.
Facts are friends to librarians! Scite ensures we always have trustworthy citations to back up the information we share. This helps us provide accurate, credible answers that patrons can depend on.
AI text analysis tools allow librarians to gain new insights into literary works and reading materials. These insights can be used to develop novel programs, discussions, and activities that enrich patrons' reading experiences.
Cohesive is an AI editor that lets you create, refine, edit, and publish high quality content without worrying too much about prompts. You can create scripts for YouTube videos, Instagram captions, content rephrasing, Facebooks posts, story generation, and so much more.
Consensus helps librarians provide patrons with information backed by peer-reviewed research. This ensures the accuracy and credibility of the knowledge sharing, building trust in the library as an authoritative source.
Lateral allows librarians to collaborate and share knowledge with other information professionals. This fosters a community-driven approach that enhances research capabilities and keeps libraries innovative.
EndNote automates citation management for librarians, saving time and effort when researching programs, grants, and other projects. Accurate citations also ensure information shared is properly attributed.
Chatbots allow librarians to be in two places at once! By training a bot with our library's knowledge, we extend our personal assistance beyond the front desk. Patrons can get quick answers around the clock to basic questions, freeing up librarians to tackle more complex research needs.
A library chatbot can handle basic inquiries, freeing up librarians to focus on in-depth research and personalized assistance. AI chatbots provide patrons with around-the-clock access to information, improving the self-service experience.
Librarians can use Copyscape to ensure library materials are original and do not contain plagiarized content. This protects the library's integrity and sets a good example for patrons.
An AI assistant can be a librarian's secret weapon! With MEM's help, we can juggle a million tasks, remember every detail, and make the most of each precious minute. This means we have more time to devote to helping patrons directly.
An AI editor can help librarians eliminate typos, inconsistencies, and other errors before they make it to print. With Dante's help, we can create library communications that are polished, professional, and mistake-free - projecting a positive image for our institutions.
An intelligent search assistant can help librarians efficiently navigate the vast amount of information needed to answer complex patron questions. AI-guided research expedites the discovery of relevant resources and knowledge.
ChatPDF allows librarians to quickly summarize lengthy research papers without reading them in full. This saves time and helps provide patrons with concise, relevant information to support their work.
Perplexity AI can assist librarians in staying up to date with the latest research trends. This ensures library resources incorporate current knowledge and information to meet patrons' evolving needs.
AudioPen can transcribe audio recordings for librarians, saving time and effort. This makes spoken content like interviews, lectures, and oral histories searchable and accessible for patrons.
Cataloging.ai can generate metadata for library items, saving librarians from the tedious task of manual data entry. This frees up time for more valuable tasks that directly serve patrons.
Flixier can transcribe audio/video materials for librarians, making the content searchable, shareable, and accessible. This allows spoken content to reach and benefit a wider audience.
Librarians are only as good as the words we put on the page. Quillbot helps ensure our writing is clear, concise, and correct - whether it's for signage, newsletters, or grant proposals. Well-crafted communications help us effectively engage and inform our patrons.
Librarians spend their days writing for patrons. Grammarly helps make sure that writing is polished and professional. By eliminating embarrassing mistakes, we build trust that patrons can rely on the information we provide.
Storytelling is magic, and Fable Fiesta can help librarians weave spells that cast imagination on our youngest patrons. With AI assistance, we can create captivating characters and worlds that will spark children's creativity and love of reading.
AI content tools allow librarians to spend less time writing from scratch and more time curating and customizing generated text. This means we can create more marketing materials, instruction guides, and handouts - all of which help patrons make the most of our resources and services.
Librarians can use Canva's AI features to quickly design eye-catching visuals for marketing library events, programs, and services. Beautiful graphics and images help attract patrons and increase engagement.
Craiyon allows librarians to transform abstract concepts into vivid illustrations that bring library collections, stories, and themes to life. AI-generated images can enhance newsletters, handouts, and signage.
AnyWord can help librarians write catchy headlines, compelling social media posts, and engaging descriptions that attract more patrons. AI-assisted copywriting ensures library communications stand out and motivate action.
Librarians can use Midjourney to create interactive experiences that immerse patrons in the world of library collections. AI-generated art and visuals can enhance storytimes, book discussions, and exhibits - sparking imagination and learning.
AI art tools allow librarians to explore new ways of visualizing and representing library collections. AI-generated images inspired by library materials can add aesthetic appeal to communications and spark creative thinking.
An AI tool like Chat GPT but enhanced to stay on top of current and recent events. Aids in easy access of information and inspiration for librarians aiming on incorporating creative strategies in promoting their library services.
Data visualization tools help librarians transform complex statistics into easy-to-understand graphics and dashboards. This allows library stakeholders to make more informed decisions based on data, leading to improved services, operations, and outcomes.
AI tools for librarians hold great promise but also pose risks if not developed ethically and inclusively. As information professionals, we must advocate for AI that empowers all patrons and leaves no one behind. We must ensure these emerging technologies augment, rather than replace, the human element so vital to the heart of any library.
Ultimately, the future of libraries rests not in the capabilities of machine learning alone, but in our shared humanity and the human connections we foster through knowledge sharing. These technologies should enhance the roles of librarians, not replace them, enabling us to better serve our communities for generations to come.
I'm a highly skilled project manager with extensive experience in the education technology industry. With a background in computer science and a passion for improving educational outcomes, I have dedicated my career to developing innovative software solutions that make learning more engaging, accessible, and effective.
