For immediate release | April 25, 2025

ALA Information Today Library of the Future Award Jury Announces Columbus Metropolitan Library's AI Task Force for Adult Programming as Winner

Columbus

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) Information Today Library of the Future Award Jury is delighted to announce that Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Library of the Future Award for its work with bringing awareness and education of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the library community.

In 2023, CML formed an AI Task Force, a cross-functional team dedicated to understanding AI’s impacts and implications while also responsibly exploring its potential for librarianship and the communities served by libraries. The Task Force developed three primary goals: 1. Increasing overall CML stakeholder awareness and knowledge of AI developments; 2. Helping CML staff understand the potential influence of AI on their work and workforce; and 3. Helping CML staff understand the potential impact AI will have on patron behaviors, as well as on service and program expectations.

The Task Force, in collaboration with CML Adult Services team, created a comprehensive training program for staff, including the four-week ‘Summer of AI Training Series.’ This series covered essential topics such as prompt engineering, creating visual art using GenAI, and practical use in the library. Additionally, the team developed "Byte-sized AI," compact graphics outlining the history of AI, its environmental impact, and various AI services. CML's commitment to equipping its staff with AI knowledge and tools has empowered over 800 employees to confidently serve patrons.

Another initiative, the AI Speaker Series, invited patrons to explore AI, catering to different levels of familiarity and interest. During Digital Inclusion Week, CML hosted several in-person sessions, introducing more than 100 patrons to AI basics and tools. These efforts have been shared at local, regional, and national library conferences, including the ALA Core Forum and the Ohio Library Council Right Click IT Conference.

"The jury is thrilled to recognize Columbus Metropolitan Library's AI Task Force for Adult Programming with the Library of the Future Award," said Christopher Proctor, Chair of the ALA Information Today Library of the Future Award Jury. "Their dedication to leveraging technology to enhance library services and support their community is truly commendable. These initiatives have positioned CML as an emerging leader in GenAI education within the library community."

2025 Award Jury members: Christopher Proctor, Indiana University Southeast (Chair); Cynthia Jewett, James A. Tuttle Library; and Samuel Starkey, Tippecanoe County Public Library.

About the Information Today Library of the Future Award: An annual award consisting of $1,500 and a citation honoring a library, library consortium, group of librarians, or support organization for innovative planning for, applications of, or development of patron training programs about information technology in a library setting. Donated by Information Today, Inc. and administered by a jury of the ALA Awards Committee.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

Contact:

Marsha P. Burgess

Governance Officer

American Library Association

Governance Office

mburgess@ala.org

800-545-2433 ext. 3204

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