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.
