ChatGPT for Librarians - What you need to know - Webinar (05/25/23)

In the past few months, there’s been an explosion of news about a tool called ChatGPT. You’ve probably heard some negative news stories, such as how students might use it to plagiarize, or how the text it produces can contain falsehoods. You might be confused about how it works, and just haven’t had the time to learn more about it. You may be getting questions about it from library users or colleagues.

Attend this webinar to learn why understanding the new AI chatbots is an important part of information literacy. We’ll cover:

What is ChatGPT and how does it work?
Who is the company behind it and what data was it trained on?
What are some examples of how to use it effectively?
What are some criticisms of it and problems with it in its current form?
What other tools and apps are available that use this technology?
And why are so many similar new tools coming out this year? (from Microsoft, Google, and also small startups)

You’ll come away with:

A basic understanding of this technology (chatbots based on large language models)
Knowledge of why AI literacy is an important part of information literacy.
Inspiration & tips for offering workshops, guides, or handouts for your users on this topic.
A bibliography of best sources for learning more.

Bring your questions and comments! We’ll include time for discussion.

Virtual Trainer: Nicole Hennig

Nicole is an expert in user experience and emerging technologies. She is currently an e-learning developer at the University of Arizona Libraries.

Previously, she worked for the MIT Libraries as head of the user experience department. In her 14 years of experience at MIT, she won awards for innovation and worked to keep academics up to date with the best mobile technologies. Now she has her own business helping librarians stay current with new technologies. She is the author of several books, including Keeping Up with Emerging Technologies, and Apps for Librarians.

Like most librarians, she is passionate about access to information for all. Librarians who take her courses are becoming technology experts for their communities. To stay current with the best new technologies, sign up for her email newsletter, Mobile Apps News, and follow her on twitter @nic221, where she tweets about libraries, apps, and emerging technologies.

This is an online class. Access information will be emailed one week ahead.

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

This project was funded either under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services or the Library Cooperative Grant program. Florida’s LSTA and LCG programs are administered by the Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services.

For FY2022-23, the total state and federal budgets for NEFLIN's programs are $688,109. 42% of the total costs ($288,109) are supported by federal funds, and 58% of this program ($400,000) is supported by state funds.