The Rise of Automation - NEFLIN (02/26/16)

How AI and Big Data are Changing Our World

Advances in computing and storage have led us to the dawn of a new age, one

where machines can learn to perform many tasks that once required human effort.
These advances will cause some professions to almost disappear while greatly
enhancing others. Our lives will be enrichened by these technologies in many
ways. Digital assistants will examine the cloud of digital data we all create
each day and will remember our schedule, know our interests, predict our needs,
remind us at just the right time, and feel super convenient (or possibly
unsettling).

This workshop will explore recent advancements in artificial intelligence and
big data, and how they will change our society and profession. Libraries will
likely be early adopters of these technologies, so it is important that library
staff have a good base understanding of what is coming. In addition to the
technical content, there will be lively discussion concerning questions such as
these:

- How will libraries and librarianship change as cognitive technologies become
commonplace?

- How will our relationship with patrons change when they can choose between
humans and intelligent software agents for assistance?

- Will traditional library values concerning patron privacy hamper our
ability to improve services by "data mining"?

Outcomes:
1. Understand base concepts of artificial intelligence, big data,
predictive search, data mining
2. Learn of current and near-future examples of these disruptive technologies
3. Discuss the positive and negative impact these advances will have
on our libraries.

Trainer: Mickey Boyd

Mickey Boyd has been a technology trainer in Florida for many years.
Library staff know him for his workshops on emerging technologies,
information security, and managing public access to the Internet.

Cost: NEFLIN classes are free of charge for Florida library staff. Registration is required for all classes and NEFLIN members get priority.

Cancellation Deadline is 9:00 am on Wednesday, February 24, 2016.
Otherwise, no show fees may apply. See all NEFLIN CE policies at http://www.neflin.org/training