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In our Library AI workshops, we mention the potential of AI-based tools like ChatGPT to assist with library services like Readers Advisory ("RA"). However, until recently, we only had anecdotal examples of how ChatGPT performed at this task.

So, we've spent some time lately figuring out how to methodically explore ChatGPT's capability as an RA tool.  It's slow going -- we've just dipped our toe in the water, so to speak -- but we see some great potential!

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Hey, everyone! So let's chat about ChatGPT. It's a handy little tool, right? But it does have a couple of quirks that can be annoying. First off, you may have heard of the "training cutoff". In simple terms, it means ChatGPT knows a bunch of stuff...up until the autumn of 2021. After that? It's kinda like it slept through the past year and a half and missed everything post-2021. Another big bummer: it can't browse the web either, so it's stuck with its 2021 knowledge.

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ChatGPT and other AI systems are becoming more popular, but they have drawbacks such as outdated knowledge and a tendency to provide false information, or "hallucinate" in AI terms. Using the "retrieval" technique in AI-based apps can give you the benefits of a chat interface along with more relevant and timely information.

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Have you seen one or two articles about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the news lately? Or maybe one or two thousand? AI is already changing how people work, and that includes library staff. That's why we're kicking off our summer 2023 training season with a deep dive on AI in the library. continue reading

The Galecia Group is excited to sponsor PLAID3, a free virtual summit dedicated to exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in public libraries. This groundbreaking event, taking place on March 28th, aims to bring library leaders together to discuss and discover how AI can enhance library services, collections, and operations.

As a leader in library technology and innovation, The Galecia Group's mission has always been to empower public libraries with the tools and knowledge needed to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. PLAID3 is a natural extension of this vision, as it provides an opportunity for library professionals to learn about AI, its applications, and its ethical implications in a supportive and interactive environment.

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There are lots of articles about why libraries should eliminate late fees.  Here's my take on the topic.  It's a white paper and the objective of the paper is to articulate the reasons it really makes no sense to continue charging late fees for library materials.  I hope you can share this paper with your trustees and city/county officials to help them understand why late fees just need to go away.

ABSTRACT: Increasing numbers of libraries have eliminated late fees because they are ineffective at promoting the timely return of materials, and argue that they undermine the mission of the library to provide equitable access to library services and resources.  In eliminating late fees, many libraries have discovered that the use of the library increases without the rate of overdue returns, and in some cases even reducing the number of late returns.  These libraries also report improved relationships between their library staff and the community.

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We periodically send out mailing about the doings here at The Galecia Group.  If you'd like to receive these infrequent newsletters, you can sign up here:

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Here's what we just sent out, in case you missed it...

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Today we got word that Lyngsoe acquired P.V. Supa.  Here's the Press Release.  If you are one of their customers, you are probably wondering what is means to you. 

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Project REALM, a joint project of IMLS, OCLC, and Battelle Labs has been leading the charge in testing for the presence of infectious components of the Coronavirus in library materials and library environments.  Their website contains all the testing results and details about their testing methodology.  There is also a great FAQ page answering many of the questions we all have as we read through the testing results and read the medical journals (which they've also done a great job of compiling (here's the spreadsheet).  I encourage you to sign-up for their updates if you haven't already.  

As you may or may not know, we (The Galecia Group) had set up a site called QuarantineLibrarianship but we've since taken it down and are instead urging everyone to get their information from Project REALM.  They have more resources to commit to staying on top of the topic. And of course, they have the testing program that provides extremely valuable data that libraries need in order to make informed decisions.

However, what Project REALM won't do is provide guidance about materials handling best practices during COVID.  The reason is that there are too many unknowns and of course, no one wants to be liable for giving the wrong advice.  But most libraries have developed materials handling practices based on the Project REALM results which have been released as they become available.  Let's look at where we are as of today.

 

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Library funding can be a challenge in the best of times -- and that's why EveryLibrary's Library Advocacy and Funding Conference in September is going to be so important!  (Disclosure: we've been proud partners and supporters of EveryLibrary for quite some time!)

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