Ask a Librarian Delaware
STAFF SUPPORT
AI (Artificial Intelligence) Information
What is AI?
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that historically required human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and identifying patterns. It encompasses a wide variety of technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP). While there are philosophical debates about whether we have achieved “true” intelligent machines, in practice, when people refer to AI today, they often mean a suite of machine learning-powered technologies that enable machines to perform tasks previously exclusive to humans, such as generating written content, steering vehicles, or analyzing data (Coursera.org).
Here are some common examples of AI in use today:
- ChatGPT: Uses large language models (LLMs) to generate text in response to questions or comments.
- Other similar platforms: Claude AI, Google Gemini, Microsoft CoPilot, Perplexity AI
- Recommendation Systems: These suggest personalized content, such as movie recommendations or product suggestions (Netflix, Amazon, Spotify, to name a few).
- Computer Vision: Enables machines to interpret and understand visual information from images or videos.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Allows machines to understand and generate human language.
- Autonomous Vehicles: AI algorithms help self-driving cars navigate and make decisions.
- Virtual Assistants: Think Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant—these use AI to understand and respond to user queries.
- Medical Diagnosis: AI aids in detecting diseases from medical images like X-rays or MRIs.
(list compiled by Microsoft CoPilot)
Articles/Resources
Delaware Libraries ChatGPT LibGuide
AI_Leadership-Brief.pdf (urbanlibraries.org)
IFLA Statement on Libraries and Artificial Intelligence
Example from a Librarian – How I use generative AI in my work – Nicole Hennig
The AI Age Begins – by Peter Leyden – The Great Progression (substack.com)
A Very Gentle Introduction to Large Language Models without the Hype | by Mark Riedl | Medium
