AI Is Everywhere, But What Does This Mean?

Whether you find AI exciting or concerning, it’s important to know how this technology works and how it can be used.

Every other commercial and news story on TV seems to involve Artificial Intelligence (AI) in some way or another. Nearly every app and website now boasts that it is “made with/powered by AI.” Applications like email, word processors, spreadsheet programs, social media, and text messaging apps now have AI buttons, AI search bars, chatbots, or other AI-related options that are prominently displayed and encouraged. Most new smartphones now have AI features that are nearly impossible to avoid using. We keep hearing about ChatGPT, OpenAI, Deep Seek, Gemini, and Copilot, but what does it all mean?

AI is in so many places and used in so many different ways that it is confusing to know exactly what it is and how it works. While some may find these new AI tools helpful, and others wish to avoid them completely, there are considerations that everyone should make now that this technology is so ubiquitously integrated into the devices and apps we use daily.

To help answer some of these questions, Mid-Continent Public Library will be hosting Intro to AI classes at select library branches. In these beginner-level courses, we will look at the basics of what AI is, how it works, different ways it is being used, and other helpful considerations. This class is not an endorsement of AI nor a step-by-step tutorial on popular AI platforms. We will educate attendees about different kinds of Artificial Intelligence and related processes so they can make their own decisions on how much or how little they would like to use this technology.

Join us for an Intro to AI class at one of the following branches:

• Friday, May 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the Green Hills Branch
• Tuesday, May 20th at 2:00 p.m. at the Withers Branch
• Monday, June 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the Blue Ridge Branch
• Monday, June 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the Colbern Road Branch

If you have questions about AI, this is the class for you!

Brad Smith
Digital Innovation Department