Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most discussed topics at #PLA2024! After all, AI is a revolutionary new technology. Kara Reuter, Travis Clark, and Stefan Langer showed how they created the Recommendation Station for Worthington (Ohio) Libraries.
Worthington Libraries have Recommendation Stations at all of their branches. To use the kiosk, a patron walks up to the station and scans a book that they’ve enjoyed. Then, the station’s software connects with the library’s reader’s advisory database. The database sends back read-alike book recommendations. The kiosk shows the patron each book’s cover, and if it is currently available at that branch. Patrons can click on each book to see more information, and then print off or email the recommendations. The focus of the kiosk is to encourage patrons to leave with a physical book in hand. They can also place a hold on a book that’s not available at their branch. You can watch the Recommendation Station in action with this quick video from Worthington Libraries.
Kara, Travis, and Stefan discussed how they worked with their library’s ILS and reader’s advisory database to make the kiosks work. It took a year to create and launch the stations. Anyone can use the kiosks, but patrons do need to log in with their library card information to place holds.
Kara, Travis, and Stefan decided to use a reader’s advisory database rather than generative AI to create the recommendations. This way, patrons get accurate recommendations created by professional librarians. Sometimes, generative AI will write a “hallucination,” and recommend a book that doesn’t actually exist. With a curated database, the recommendations are always correct.
Kara, Travis, and Stefan also included some fun surprises at the stations. When patrons print or email recommendations, a funny library pun is included at the bottom. It also can play quick videos – my favorite is of a fortune teller cat!
These Recommendation Stations are such a cool service, and a great way to start conversations with patrons! Kara, Travis, and Stefan see these kiosks as ways to start conversations between patrons and staff, and to better serve patrons who might not approach the reference desk for reader’s advisory. What tools does your library have to offer reader’s advisory to more patrons?
Ann Baillie (she/her/hers) is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at the Alsip-Merrionette Park
Public Library in Alsip, Illinois. She is the past-manager of the Illinois Library Association’s Youth
Services Forum. Her main interests are the connection between Readers’ Advisory and
technology, and how libraries can use technology to better reach patrons. She is especially
excited to check out the How-To Stage at this year’s conference. She plans to drink as much
coffee as possible during this year’s conference.
This post addresses ALSC Core Competency VII: Professionalism and Professional Development.
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
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