A Librarian's Guide to AI-Enhanced Reader's Advisory: Your First Steps (Integrating AI into Libraries)

A Librarian's Guide to AI-Enhanced Reader's Advisory: Your first stepsTransform your reader's advisory practice with the power of artificial intelligence—thoughtfully, effectively, and ethically.Whether you're helping a patron find their next great read or a parent seeking age-appropriate books for their child, reader's advisory has always been part art, part science. Now, large language models (LLMs) offer librarians a powerful new tool to enhance—not replace—the human expertise at the heart of this essential service.In this practical, accessible guide, veteran librarian Jean Harripersaud draws on over three decades of library experience to show you how to integrate AI into your reader's advisory toolkit. You'll discover how to craft prompts that yield personalized, nuanced recommendations, tackle common challenges like reluctant readers and patrons with sensitive content needs, and create compelling book displays and themed lists with unprecedented efficiency.But this isn't just a how-to manual. Harripersaud provides critical context you won't find elsewhere: honest comparisons between LLM recommendations and traditional tools like NoveList Plus, clear explanations of when AI excels and when it falls short, and essential guidance on the ethical considerations every information professional must understand.Perfect for librarians taking their first steps with AI or those seeking to deepen their practice, this guide meets you where you are—no technical background required. With real-world examples, actionable strategies, and a commitment to responsible implementation, you'll gain the confidence to leverage AI as a complement to your professional judgment, expanding what's possible in reader's advisory while staying true to library values.Your patrons are waiting for their next perfect book. Let AI help you find it. Read more