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# Libraries, AI and the messy middle
- URL: https://www.lorcandempsey.net/presentation-libraries-ai-and-the-messy-middle/
- Published: 2024-06-05T15:54:56.000Z
- Updated: 2024-12-04T21:16:59.000Z
- Description: Introduces an annotated presentation about AI, libraries and a range of related issues. It is influenced by the consequences of considering AI as a new 'cultural technology.'
- Author: Lorcan Dempsey
- Tags: AI

I am trying something new. I have recently been presenting about AI and libraries. I have annotated and augmented the presentation so that it is a little more self-standing than my usual more elliptical powerpoints. 

By the *messy middle*, I mean that libraries are having to grapple with real questions about AI deployment, procurement and use. They may participate in discussions about bold futures or about grave risks. But they also have to provide advice to creators and consumers, create policies and guidelines, and evaluate the AI-enabled offerings of their vendors. Today. 

Here is the presentation:

[Libraries, AI And The Messy MiddleThis presentations discusses a variety of issues around AI and its adoption in libraries.![](https://websitev3-p-eu.figstatic.com/assets-v3/cb1be4cbd0bc8761968dd7b838e684ab618c3558/static/media/favicon-196.911535d4.png)figshare![](https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/pfigshare-u-previews/46828720/thumb.png)](https://figshare.com/articles/presentation/Libraries%5FAI%5FAnd%5FThe%5FMessy%5FMiddle/25974283?file=46828723&ref=lorcandempsey.net)

And here are some additional links. For ease of presentation, I have loaded **PDF** and **PPTX** files. 

I gave shorter versions of this presentation as keynotes at two interesting and rewarding meetings recently. I benefited greatly from the rich discussion and other presentations at each event, and am grateful to the organizers for the invitation. 

- ***California AI Libraries Summit***, California State Library, Sacramento. 26 April 2024.
- ***Vancouver Island Library Staff Conference 2024***, University of Victoria, Victoria. 3 May 2024

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/77/c7/77c7bb74-1d53-4c6c-a1fc-8e2ccb21b6d2/content/images/2024/05/mcpherson.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/77/c7/77c7bb74-1d53-4c6c-a1fc-8e2ccb21b6d2/content/images/2024/05/csl.jpg)

McPherson Library, University of Victoria, and the California State Library, Sacramento

## Coda

For some additional perspectives see the following blog posts and short articles. 

I am pleased to have an article on Libraries, AI and training collections in this special issue of Against the Grain.

[Predicting the Unpredictable | American Libraries MagazineAI is everywhere. Library decision makers must understand and weigh both constructive and problematic elements of this technology.![](https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/wp-content/themes/alm/images/alm-favicon.png)American Libraries MagazineLorcan Dempsey![](https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/field-guides-dempsey.jpg)](https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/predicting-the-unpredictable/?ref=lorcandempsey.net)

Inaugural column in this series. Introduces some issues around AI and argues for greater coordination among bodies representing library interests. 

[AI - LorcanDempsey.netPosts about evolving AI story and its implications for libraries.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/77/c7/77c7bb74-1d53-4c6c-a1fc-8e2ccb21b6d2/content/images/size/w256h256/2023/02/LorcanDempseyNetIconTransparent-10023.png)LorcanDempsey.netLorcan![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/77/c7/77c7bb74-1d53-4c6c-a1fc-8e2ccb21b6d2/content/images/2023/11/scullybooks-1.png)](https://www.lorcandempsey.net/tag/ai/)

Blog posts on AI.

[Generative AI and libraries: seven contextsLibraries are engaging with AI in their educational, service and policy work. This post discusses seven contexts in which that work is taking place.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/77/c7/77c7bb74-1d53-4c6c-a1fc-8e2ccb21b6d2/content/images/size/w256h256/2023/02/LorcanDempseyNetIconTransparent-10023.png)LorcanDempsey.netLorcan![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/77/c7/77c7bb74-1d53-4c6c-a1fc-8e2ccb21b6d2/content/images/2023/10/grammarly-1-1-1.jpg)](https://www.lorcandempsey.net/generative-ai-and-libraries-7-contexts/)

A recent discussion of libraries and AI. 

**Pictures:** All pictures taken by me.