The Potential and Peril of Generative AI
Generative AI continues to integrate into our daily lives, and public libraries can play an important role in helping their communities understand these technologies. Everyone needs to understand GenAI's potential and limitations - regardless of whether someone uses a particular tool. Through their daily interactions with the public, librarians see how using these powerful tools can produce intentional and unintentional harm. This session will give an overview of how to work, live, and thrive in a world with GenAI. Panelists will share resources librarians can use to continue their own professional development and support their communities.
Generative AI continues to integrate into our daily lives, and public libraries can play an important role in helping their communities understand these technologies. Everyone needs to understand GenAI's potential and limitations - regardless of whether someone uses a particular tool. Through their daily interactions with the public, librarians see how using these powerful tools can produce intentional and unintentional harm. This session will give an overview of how to work, live, and thrive in a world with GenAI. Panelists will share resources librarians can use to continue their own professional development and support their communities.
Presented by:
- Jevin West, Professor and the Associate Dean for Research, University of Washington Information School
- Carl Bergstrom, Professor, University of Washington Department of Biology
- Stacey Wedlake, Senior Research Scientist, University of Washington Information School
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Date
10 September 2026
Time
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]

Webinar presenter Stacey Wedlake

Webinar presenter Carl Bergstrom

Webinar presenter Jevin West
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