New Jersey State Library launches AI literacy initiatives

The New Jersey State Library is launching the AI Library Literacy Network (AILLN) this fall. In collaboration with LibraryLink NJ and the NJ AI Hub, the initiative is developing a cohort of library staff from five libraries to act as AI trainers. The program utilizes a curriculum from Microsoft and will provide training on generative AI and its application for job-seeking. This cohort is expected to begin training additional library staff early next year.

Additionally, the New Jersey State Library has been awarded an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Leadership grant for a three-year project titled ‘Engaging Communities with Artificial Intelligence’. Conducted in partnership with The GovLab and state libraries in Hawaii and Montana, the project aims to create mobile-based educational modules. The initiative will involve community groups reflecting on AI concerns to help Fellows from The GovLab develop specific AI tools to address those issues.