Library Tech Trends for 2023
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Loading... - Moustapha Faye
- 14 Mar 2023
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As we head into 2023, I wanted to take some time to share a few of the library technology trends that I see taking shape.
Artificial Intelligence is Impacting Our Libraries
While some applications of AI in libraries may be bleeding edge, the technology is already making its impact felt, particularly in the areas of marketing and collections.
Transforming Library Marketing
AI design tools are here: AI-powered design software is affordable (sometimes free) and widely available. With a little practice, staff can now create high-quality digital art using new tools such as Midjourney and DALL-E, while even traditional design software like Canva now has an text-to-image feature! Full image creation aside, tools such as Gigapixel AI can upscale and enhance existing images. Collectively, this software can stretch limited marketing budgets, and safe significant staff time!
Photo of a poster created using an AI text-to-image tool. The poster has a robot pumpkin on the left, and a robot on the right. It reads "Okt-To-Con! Tuesday, October 11th from 6 to 9 pm. " Additional text on the bottom reads "Spooky stories, costumes, prizes, learning, engineering, fun!" The poster is laying atop a large format printer in an office.
Image credit: Chad Mairn, Innovation Lab | St. Petersburg College. Created using Midjourney.
Impact on Our Digital Collections
Smart speakers & virtual assistants: Smart speaker ownership continues to rise, and our patrons are increasingly turning to virtual assistants (such as Siri). As this happens, library digital collections will become more compatible with this technology, with patrons able to conduct voice searches for content, and perform core account functions (check out, place holds, renew items). Additionally, troubleshooting functionality from digital content providers (such as Overdrive), will be increasingly powered by AI/machine learning.
AI and audiobooks: AI audiobook narration continues to become more polished, and presents an affordable option for many publishers. While AI narration is concerning for audiobook narrators, it will allow for many more audio versions of books that would otherwise never be published–important for accessibility! Read More…
