***BEFORE YOU REGISTER FOR THIS ON-DEMAND WEBINAR PLEASE REVIEW IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION BELOW***
A PLA 2026 Virtual Conference On-Demand Webinar
In a world flooded with emerging AI tools, how can libraries stay grounded in human-centered service? This on-demand webinar explores how to ethically approach AI, build community digital literacy, and practically integrate tools like ChatGPT. We focus on using AI to enhance, not replace, the personal touch libraries are known for—supporting staff, seniors, parents, and patrons of all comfort levels with responsible, approachable tech use.
Recorded live during the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference, April 1–3, 2026.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify ethical considerations around AI use in libraries, including privacy, bias, environmental concerns and responsible use cases;
- Gain hands-on experience with AI tools to support everyday library services like tech help, readers’ advisory, and program planning; and
- Take back strategies to your library on how to support digital literacy, with a focus on helping seniors and parents understand AI safety, data use, and tool limitations.
Who Should Attend
This on-demand webinar is intended for any public library worker wishing to sample the educational offerings of the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference.
If you were registered for the PLA 2026 Virtual Conference, or were an in-person full-conference registrant who purchased the Virtual Conference add-on, then you already have access to this recording in the online Conference console until July 3, 2026.
Panelists
Jaci Cooper holds a dual Master of Public Affairs and Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Missouri–Columbia and has over eight years of library experience. She serves as Director of Projects and Planning at Kent District Library, where she launched the project management office and oversees the organization’s full project portfolio, strategic planning, internal communications, and performance tracking. Jaci was named a 2024 Crain’s Grand Rapids 40 Under 40 Leader and is a member of the Kent County Food Policy Council. She lives in Grand Rapids with her husband and their dog, and, aside from reading, enjoys the outdoors, gardening, cooking, thrifting, home projects and finding new creative outlets.
Morgan Hanks is the User Experience Manager at Kent District Library in Michigan, where she leads the Patron Services Department and digital literacy efforts. With over a decade of library experience and a Master of Public Administration, Morgan is passionate about innovation, ethical technology use, and building inclusive, community-centered services. She currently leads KDL’s AI Advisory Group and helps staff and patrons explore emerging tools with curiosity and care. When she’s not working, she enjoys getting lost in a book, puzzlin', sewing, reality TV, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, and spending time with her two dogs.
Important Registration Information
Log into or create your ALA eLearning account
An ALA eLearning account is required to register. Don’t have an account? Create one for free by going to the “Log in” menu located at the top right corner of your screen. No membership is required to create the account.
Redeem your signup code to complete your registration
Once you’ve registered for this on-demand webinar, a signup code will be added to your ALA eLearning account and emailed to you. Find the signup code on your signup code page, then redeem it on your account’s dashboard to complete your enrollment in this on-demand webinar.
- Need to purchase registration on behalf of a colleague?
- Need to register a group of 3 or more?
- Need to register with a purchase order?
Review the ALA eLearning FAQ if you need more information.
Accommodations
This on-demand webinar is closed captioned in English (United States).
If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.
Tech Requirements
To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.
Contact
This webinar is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).
