Final exam: AI for librarians

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1. A patron brings five articles cited by a chatbot. Two cannot be found. What is the best response?
Tell them they probably mistyped the titles and should try the search again more carefullyShow them how to check catalogs and databases and explain chatbots can invent sourcesTell them to cite the articles anyway, since the chatbot is usually accurate on well-known topicsAdvise them to stop using AI tools and stick to printed sources only
2. A staff member wants to feed patron borrowing records into a free AI tool to find trends. What is the main concern?
The tool may be slow with such large files of borrowing recordsThe records may be formatted in a way the tool cannot read properlyThe trends may be dull or too general to help with collection decisionsReading records are sensitive and may be exposed or kept by an unapproved tool
3. A patron asks a chatbot for books about grief written for teenagers, and it lists six titles. What is the best next step?
Keep only the first two titles, since the top of a list is usually the most reliableAsk the chatbot to add ISBNs, then trust any title that comes with a numberRecommend all six titles, since the list matched the patron's request for teen grief books so closelySearch the catalog for each title and author to confirm it exists before recommending it
4. An AI-drafted handout says a database includes content that you know it does not. What do you do?
Print it as written, since the database name is probably rightAdd more database claims so the handout looks completeRemove the database title but keep the rest of the descriptionCorrect it to match your actual resources before sharing
5. Which is most clearly a librarian strength AI does not replace?
Welcoming a patron and finding out what they need in a reference interviewFormatting a poster for a library program with a consistent layoutRewording a paragraph of library policy into plain language for a patron handoutMaking a long list of recommended titles for a themed reading display
6. A vendor offers an AI service for patrons. What should you ask?
Does the vendor offer a discount for libraries in our region?Is the interface attractive and easy for patrons of all ages to navigate?What data it collects, how long it keeps it and who can see itIs the service new enough to be worth promoting at the desk?
7. A teacher asks if students should use AI for research. What is a good answer?
No, never, since AI answers cannot be trusted for any schoolworkYes, always, since AI finds answers faster than most databases doTeach them to treat AI as a starting point and verify claims with good sourcesSay it is up to each student and leave the question alone
8. How do you describe AI skills honestly in a job application?
Leave AI out, since employers may think it replaces librariansSay AI now does your reference work, so the desk needs fewer staff in the futureDescribe a specific workshop or workflow, and your review and privacy stepsClaim skill with all AI tools without naming any specific task

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