Heusden Library Organises Workshop on AI and ChatGPT
Heusden, woensdag, 30 juli 2025.
On Saturday, 8 November 2025, the library in Heusden will host a workshop where visitors can learn about artificial intelligence and ChatGPT. The workshop will explain what AI is and how it can be applied in daily life, including live demonstrations and practical examples. No technical knowledge is required, and the session is accessible to anyone curious about the possibilities of AI.
Integration of AI in Modern Libraries
Modern libraries play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and information. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), these institutions are evolving into digital learning centres that utilise advanced technologies to enhance service delivery. The library in Heusden is an example of this, with their upcoming workshop on AI and ChatGPT on Saturday, 8 November 2025 [1]. This workshop provides insight into the applications of AI in daily life and explains how visitors can get started with this technology themselves.
AI-Driven Search Systems
One of the most direct applications of AI in libraries is the development of advanced search systems. These systems can use machine learning to generate relevant results based on user queries. AI-driven search engines, for instance, can employ natural language processing (NLP) to understand complex search terms and provide more accurate results. This makes it easier for users to find the information they need without requiring technical skills [GPT].
Personalised Recommendations
AI can also be used to make personalised recommendations based on users’ reading and search behaviour. By analysing data, libraries can suggest books, articles, and other resources that align with individuals’ interests and needs. This not only improves the user experience but also encourages the discovery of new information and knowledge [GPT].
Automatic Cataloguing
Cataloguing is a time-consuming process that traditionally requires significant manual labour. AI can significantly speed up this process by automatically generating metadata and categorising books and other resources. Machine learning algorithms can learn from existing catalogue data and then efficiently classify new items. This saves time and resources, allowing librarians to focus more on other aspects of service delivery [GPT].
Digital Assistants
Digital assistants, such as ChatGPT, are playing an increasingly important role in library services. These tools can help users find information, draft documents, and even answer general questions. At the workshop in Heusden, participants will have the opportunity to see how ChatGPT works and how they can use it on their computer, tablet, or phone [1].
Challenges and Privacy
While AI offers many benefits, it also presents challenges. Privacy is a significant concern, especially when personal data is used for recommendations and cataloguing. Libraries must ensure transparency in how they collect and use data and comply with all relevant laws and regulations [GPT].
Accessibility and the Role of Staff
AI can improve the accessibility of libraries by providing tools that support users with disabilities. At the same time, the role of library staff is changing. Instead of just performing administrative tasks, they can focus more on guiding and supporting users in using new technologies [GPT].
Practical Examples and Expert Views
Several libraries around the world have successfully implemented AI integration. For example, the New York Public Library uses AI for automating cataloguing and offering personalised recommendations [GPT]. According to experts, the future of AI in libraries will involve becoming even more advanced and user-focused. The introduction of GPT-5, scheduled for early August 2025, promises even better performance in complex reasoning and instruction execution [2].
Impact on Information Literacy
The integration of AI in libraries has a significant impact on information literacy. By helping users navigate large amounts of information and providing them with tools to critically evaluate sources, AI contributes to the democratisation of knowledge. Workshops like the one in Heusden play a crucial role by equipping users with the skills to effectively use these technologies [1][GPT].