ByWater Solutions is partnering with Novare Library Services to provide a Digital Dexterity: AI in Libraries webinar series.
This will be a six-part series featuring a variety of guest presenters speaking on a range of AI-related topics. These sessions are open to anyone and will be recorded.
Upcoming Webinars
Getting Started with AI: Simple Tools for Everyday Work with Regina Burgess
Wednesday, July 8th at 2:00 PM EST.
New to AI and not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly webinar shows you how to use AI to save time on everyday work, no technical jargon required. You'll learn what AI actually is in plain language, see live demos of practical productivity workflows in Gemini and NotebookLM, pick up tips for writing better prompts, and walk away with the confidence to use AI safely and responsibly. Perfect for anyone ready to put AI to work.
Regina Burgess is the Director for the Panhandle Library Access Network, a multitype library cooperative in Florida, where she provides continuing education programs for library staff in the region. Regina has worked in public and special libraries and has non-library-related corporate experience. She is the current President and past Treasurer of the Friends of the Bay County Public Libraries. Regina received a Bachelor of Arts in History from New Mexico State University and a Master of Library Science degree from the University of North Texas.
AI in Libraries: Your Policy Life Jacket for Safe and Effective Use
Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST
Artificial intelligence is already showing up in library work—whether through staff experimentation, vendor tools, or patron use. After exploring what AI can do, the next step is ensuring your library is prepared to use it responsibly.
This session introduces a practical, policy-first approach to managing AI in libraries. Using the concept of a "policy life jacket," participants will learn how clear, flexible policies can help staff navigate AI tools safely while protecting patron privacy, maintaining accuracy, and reinforcing professional judgment.
Drawing on real-world library examples and policy frameworks, this webinar will cover:
- Why AI use without policy creates institutional risk
- What an effective AI policy does (and doesn't do)
- Key components of a library AI policy, including privacy, transparency, and staff guidance
- The Human–AI–Human workflow as a foundation for responsible use
- How to create a policy that supports innovation without losing control
Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to move from informal AI use to intentional, well-governed practice—and with practical ideas they can adapt for their own libraries.
Robin Hastings is the Library Services Consultant for the Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS). In that capacity, she provides technology and consulting on library services to 40+ libraries in the NEKLS region as well as providing management for several state-wide services in Kansas. She has presented all over the world on Cloud Computing, Project Management, Disaster Planning and many other topics and teaches classes on library technology at Emporia State University and Library Juice Academy. Robin is the author of several books on library-related and technology topics as well as many articles in library-related journals.
An Introduction to Vibe Coding: You Don't Have to Know How to Code to Build Something Cool with4 Heather Tesko
Wednesday, September 9th, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST
AI has made it possible to build functional tools just by describing what you want in plain language. It's called vibe coding, and it's genuinely changing what's possible for non-developers. This session covers the basics: what it is, how it works, what tools to use, and how to start your first project. No prior coding experience required, just curiosity and a problem you want to solve.
Practical AI in Public Libraries with Scott Lipkowitz
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST
Proponents of Artificial Intelligence (AI) want to see it deployed everywhere and used to accomplish everything. But AI systems like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google's Gemini are nothing more than tools; and not every tool is fit for every purpose. In this session, we'll move past the hype and examine practical ways in which library staff can use AI to substantively support library operations.
Participants will learn:
- About various types of AI tools, how they function, and what their limitations are.
- How to assess which areas of a library's day-to-day operations could benefit from the use of AI, and which might be better off left as they are.
- To use tools like Gemini and NoteboolkLM to assist with data analysis and serve as an on-demand staff assistant..
Scott Lipkowitz is a systems librarian and library administrator with a deep interest in computing, robotics, space exploration, and digital/computing literacy. He has worked in academic, special, and public libraries throughout the state of New York. As a technology educator, Scott focuses on demystifying the machine for end users of all skill and comfort levels.
Library Stats on Autopilot: AI & Google Sheets with Lauren McLaughlin
Wednesday, November 11th, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST
In this session, we will explore how to automate your library's monthly statistics using AI and Google Sheets.
In this practical how-to:
- Learn how to build an automated library statistics system using AI and Google Sheets
- Eliminate repetitive tasks, reduce errors and deliver valuable insights fast
- Spend less time compiling numbers and more time using them
Lauren has worked in public libraries and marketing for more than 20 years. Passionate about the intersection of statistics and storytelling, she focuses on using library data and engaging design to strengthen advocacy and highlight the value libraries bring to their communities.
Build It Yourself: Open-Source AI for Libraries with Jacob Starks
Wednesday, December 9th, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST
You don't need a big budget or an IT department to run AI locally. This session is for library people who want to go beyond the basics and build a locally hosted AI solution. In the session, we will explore open-source large language models — how they work, how they compare to commercial tools, and how to run them on your own hardware without sending patron data anywhere.
Expect hands-on exploration of:
- Setting up local AI tools like Ollama, LM Studio, and Open WebUI
- Creating a safe space for library users to learn and use AI
- Building simple agentic workflows that handle real library tasks - se cases in cataloging, local history, patron services, and staff productivity
- What to watch out for — privacy, bias, hallucinations, and copyright
- Ideas for what to build next This isn't a "what is AI" overview. It's a roll-up-your-sleeves session for people ready to experiment.
Attendees will leave with the knowledge and tools to create their own LLM.
Jacob Starks is an accountant, former library director, and technology educator with experience in public, academic and tribal libraries, workforce development, digital outreach, accounting systems, and cybersecurity. He has presented at library and professional conferences on outreach, technology, and innovation. His current work focuses on making emerging tools - including AI, local models, and practical financial systems - understandable and useful for libraries, small organizations, and everyday users.
AI-Powered Marketing: Using AI to Design Graphics and Write Marketing Copy with Chantal Rothermel
Wednesday, January 13th, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST
Welcome to the future of content creation. Join us for a practical webinar where we will demystify how Artificial Intelligence can handle the heavy lifting for marketing. Whether you need an eye-catching visual, a compelling headline or a more concise description, AI tools can help you build it in a fraction of the time.
Things we will be covering:
- Creating Safe, Non-Trademarked Images: Skip the generic stock photos and avoid copyright headaches. Learn how to prompt AI image generators to create unique, high-quality, copyright- and trademark-free visuals tailored to your specific purpose.
- The "Accordion" Method for Copy: How to use AI to instantly expand a brief description or crunch a long paragraph into a punchy, space-limited blurb.
- Catchy Titles: Learn how to feed basic event details into AI to generate dozens of attention-grabbing titles/headlines, i.e. creating an umbrella title when grouping similar topics together.
- Live Prompts and Generation: In real time, we will go over examples of creating safe-to-use images, expanding and shortening marketing copy and generating catchy titles.
Chantal Rothermel, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator for Onondaga Free Library (OFL) Chantal started working at OFL as a page at 15 years old. After she received her B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Le Moyne College in 2007, Chantal was promoted to a marketing position. Nearly 20 years later, it is fascinating to look back on how marketing tools have evolved- from using MS Word templates to create an event flyer to now using AI to create social media posts. Chantal is an avid reader (and listener!) of thriller and romance books and hosts book clubs for both genres at OFL. In her spare time, she enjoys attending concerts, baseball and hockey games, watching the Buffalo Bills and spending time at her family's camp.