ACRL: Bridging the Gap — An AI Community of Practice

In partnership with the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), we have launched a pilot program, “Bridging the Gap: An AI Community of Practice.” , which aims to enable participants to extend AI knowledge and skills within their institutions and communities. The program will launch with an in-person workshop at the 2025 ALA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, on June 26, 2025.

What We Do 

This program, led by ACRL President Leo Lo, addresses the growing need for AI literacy training among early-career librarians, who are uniquely positioned as future leaders and change-makers. Using a “train-the-trainer” model, participants will gain foundational AI literacy skills, they will leverage resources from the emerging ACRL AI Competencies for Librarians, network with peers, and become part of a growing and sustainable community of practice. Sessions include:

• AI and Academic Librarianship: Training on how AI tools can be used to support academic research and library services.
• AI Ethics and Best Practices: Ensuring that participants are equipped to handle ethical considerations when integrating AI into their work.
• Community Building and Train the Trainer Model: Empowering participants to disseminate AI literacy within their institutions.

How We Deliver 

The program includes a hands-on workshop at the 2025 ALA Annual Conference, as well as follow-up activities and webinars designed to support ongoing engagement and knowledge sharing. A key component of the program is the development of an individual plan for implementing AI literacy programs within each participant’s institution.