Leveraging AI in School Libraries: From Basics to Best Practices

For decades, technology has fueled ­changes in libraries. According to Seales, AI is a ­powerful ally in the library, especially when used to improve instructional practice. She labels it a game changer for crafting lesson plans and creating avenues for differentiation. The author envisions using AI to ­automate library tasks such as cataloging, generating reading lists, and adapting texts to save time. She believes that the key to achieving desired results with AI lies in a carefully designed prompt. To this end, she supplies a framework, much like a writing organizer, to teach students how to create an effective AI prompt. While the author details the positive uses of AI, she concedes that it is not without problems. She suggests schools use plagiarism checkers but admits they may not work. For her, the answer lies in media literacy and in teaching students to reflect and to self-assess. She also encourages librarians to rigorously evaluate any ­AI-generated content not only for correctness and age/grade-level appropriateness but also for how the use of AI does or doesn’t support learning objectives. The book includes appendices, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index, which are well laid out and useful.