Written by Jessica Finden, Teacher Librarian, Carmel College
Why AI is a game-changer for library staff
AI tools like CoPilot, ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity are designed to assist with a wide range of tasks. For library staff, this means:
- Time saving: AI can summarise articles, draft emails, generate book lists, and even write blurbs for displays
- Idea generation: Need some more ideas to support Book Week? Want a new angle for your reading challenge? AI can brainstorm with you
- Professional development: AI can help you stay current with trends, research, and even assist in writing grant application or reports
UNESCO’s 2025 (revised) report on AI in education highlights its potential to support teachers and learners by automating routine tasks, supporting inclusion and enhancing creativity. For library staff, this translates into more time for meaningful engagement with students and collections.
Creating your own AI Agent
One of the most exciting developments is the ability to create a custom AI agent – essentially a digital assistant trained to understand your library’s needs. There are a variety of platforms that allow users to build assistants that can:
- Learn your preferences (genre recommendations, curriculum links, library programs)
- Help plan library activities and events
- Draft newsletters, book reviews, or even social media posts
- Simulate student questions for reader advisory practice
These agents can be programmed to suit your needs and the needs of your school community. As Dr. Kay Oddone notes on the Engaging and Empowering School Libraries podcast, AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing library services when used ethically and thoughtfully.
Practical AI use for library planning
Here are a few ways that you can use AI to support your day-to-day planning:
- Curriculum alignment: AI can match books to ACARA standards, helping you build reading lists that support classroom learning
- Event planning: Whether you need ideas for the never-ending display opportunities, Book Week or general library activities, AI can generate themes, activities, promotional copy and resources
- Collection development: AI can analyse borrowing data (with help from your LMS) and suggest gaps in genres or age groups
You need to treat AI as a collaborator, not a replacement. It’s there to support your expertise, not override it.
AI isn’t here to take your job; it is here to (hopefully) make it easier. Especially for those working solo, it’s like having a partner to bounce ideas off. See what subscriptions your school has to AI resources (BCE has access to CoPilot). Focus on one to begin with and learn what it can offer you. The key is to use it so you can learn its limitations, but you’ll also see how much help it can be.
References
Oddone, K. (2023, June 10). AI: Friend or Foe? The School Librarians Perspective [Video file]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/nF7q-naoEKg?si=73SKzsPE-4NM8QWu
UNESCO. (2025). Artificial intelligence in education: Guidance for policy-makers. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000376709
Jessica is speaking at the Brisbane Capacity Building School Libraries Conference on ‘AI Agents and the Lone Librarian’. View the Full Conference Program Here.