AI at Your Library: Getting Started

AI Appreciation Day: July 16, 2024

AI Appreciation Day is July 16, 2024. It's a day to recognize the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how they are impacting our world. From virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to personalized recommendations from Netflix and TikTok, AI is changing the way we live, learn, and work. But what exactly is AI?

In this post, we'll explain what AI is and how SJPL can help you learn more about it.

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) uses computers and machines to mimic how the human mind solves problems and makes decisions. It uses math and logic to do this. AI needs a lot of data to work well and give accurate results. The goal of AI is to process information, recognize patterns, and make decisions.

Examples of AI

AI is becoming a part of our daily lives, offering both benefits and potential drawbacks. While AI can make tasks easier and more efficient, it’s important to be aware of its various impacts. Here are some everyday examples of AI:

• Understanding Speech: Voice assistants like Siri and Alexa can understand and respond to what you say, making tasks easier. However, they also collect data about your habits.
• Recognizing Images: Facebook uses AI to tag and organize your photos, which helps you find them quickly. This data can also be used for targeted ads.
• Making Decisions: Netflix uses AI to recommend shows and movies based on your viewing history, helping you find content you like. This can also limit your exposure to new content.
• Keeping Your Attention: TikTok suggests videos that match your interests, making your browsing experience more enjoyable but can lead to spending more time on the app.
• Creating Content: AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E help create text and images, which can be useful for generating content but also raise questions about originality and ownership.

How to Get Started

Interested in learning more about AI? We have events, books, and online resources to help you get started:

• Events: Attend one of our AI-focused workshops or classes.
• Books & eBooks: Check out our collection of books and eBooks on AI. We have titles for beginners as well as more advanced learners.
• Online Courses & Lessons: Prefer to learn from the comfort of your home or on your lunch break? We've got online courses and lessons available. Two of our offerings were created by SJPL staff for SJPL's Digital Skill Building Pathways, and we have even more available through our online learning eResources.
• More Resources: Visit our Artificial Intelligence page, launched on AI Appreciation Day, July 16, 2024, for more information.