Generative AI and Libraries: Claiming Our Place in the Center of a Shared Future

by Michael Hanegan, Chris Rosser

Genres: Librarianship

160 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2025

Reviews

[South Brunswick High School Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

After listening to the authors Michael Hanegan and Chris Rosser introduce this book at the American Library Association conference, I was intrigued by the optimism that the pair shared on the future of libraries and librarians in the "Age of Intelligence"—the new world we will inhabit with artificial intelligence and specifically generative AI tools. This book did not disappoint.

Neatly organized, as only a librarian would do, the book is divided into three sections. In the first three chapters, the authors identify librarians and the libraries that they staff as the gravitational center of society, a group that has the experience, worldview, and knowledge needed to step into the center and drive the implementation of AI, if only they are willing to embrace the opportunity. Part 2 examines how to evaluate and implement AI tools in professional practice and how to identify the tools that will best serve the individual community each librarian knows best. Part 3 introduces a model for how to apply AI to learning and problem-solving.

A criticism shared by a librarian at the ALA session I attended was that the book was too theoretical, a claim, rightly disputed by the presenters, because, had the text focused on specific AI tools, it would have been out of date prior to publication. I agree. I found the text to be uplifting and inspiring. Instead of closing the book with pessimism, the authors leave librarians with a pep talk, stating that they have a crucial role to play in the integration of AI in our society if only they are willing to stand in the center and assist their institutions, colleagues, and communities in working together. I, for one, am excited to meet this new challenge!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall good. I appreciate the broad approach that allows the ideas to be applicable across platforms and potentially into future adaptations. They lost me a little bit with the proposed theoretical model, but I did like the STACKS idea. I also wish there had been a little more on ethical implications, but understand why they might have chosen to not go more in depth in that area. Grateful for a perspective on AI that is more encouraging as I agree that there are many positive opportunities with new technologies.

[Jennifer Dumont · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did not quite do what I wanted it to do. It felt repetitive to me - the central point that libraries have got to lead in the field of AI was overstated. I need more nuts and bolts - how? What to do first? Perhaps that's not the fault of this book, or its intention.

[Allyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, while I did get some interesting ideas/concepts from this book, Part 1 was so mind numbingly repetitive that it brings the book down as a whole. That really needed editing, and for a short book, that is damning. If you do read this book, perhaps skim or skip to Part 2.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking more for practical tools to incorporate into my scohol library, but this wasn't so helpful for that.