ByWater Solutions to present at Internet Librarian Connect 2024

by Elise Aiello on Sep 13, 2024

Jessica Zairo, Director of Library Sales and Outreach at ByWater Solutions, and Brian Pichman, Head of Support at ByWater Solutions will present at Internet Librarian Connect 2024 taking place from October 22-24 2024.

Digital Engagement for Your Community

Jessica Zairo

October 23, 2024 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

Whether you are a campus, county, city, or corporate enterprise, you can leverage your digital platform to promote programs to that community. Collections are not just books. Get ideas and learn what others are doing to attract attention and connection with their communities.

Revolutionizing Library Services: Large Language Models & AI Chatbot Solutions

Brian Pichman and Chad Mairn
Monday, October 21, 2024 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

In this workshop, our speakers lead the group in experiments with free versions of Chatbase.co, LM Studio, and other solutions to create customized chatbots that are trained to answer questions based on your library's data. Learn how to adjust parameters, like temperature, to enable your chatbot to provide increasingly accurate and creative responses. They discuss and explore possibilities for libraries with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), a technique that enhances the chatbot’s capabilities by integrating external data sources to generate more relevant and comprehensive responses. Gain valuable insights about integrating a chatbot into your library website, build a custom GPT tool, and unlock the full potential of these powerful large language models to revolutionize library services and enhance user engagement.

Cybersecurity: Privacy, Protection, & Implications of AI

Brian Pichman and Gary Price

October 21, 2024 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Protecting privacy and security while leveraging technology to accomplish positive change is becoming a serious challenge for individuals, communities, and businesses. This workshop, presented by expert leaders and practitioners, covers personal and organizational privacy as well as top security issues for libraries and their communities, especially the implications of AI. If you don’t have a security plan in place, are unsure of where to even start to make sure your library is secure, or have an existing plan in place but want to cross your t’s and dot your i’s, come to this interactive workshop.

Are You Smarter Than an AI? Game Show

Brian Pichman

October 21, 2024 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Get ready for an electrifying session that takes the classic TV game show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? to a whole new level and get ready for all the upcoming AI and libraries discussions! In this exciting event, we explore the fascinating world of AI and pit our wits against the power of machine learning. Join us as we embark on an adventure in which human intelligence goes head-to-head with cutting-edge AI algorithms in a battle of the brains. We look at AI's impact on libraries, education, and information access, all while having some educational fun. We examine how AI complements the invaluable role of librarians and the library community. It's a contest of knowledge, strategy, and quick thinking as we challenge our understanding of what it means to be "smarter."

About Jessica Zairo

Jessie has both graduate and undergraduate degrees in Library Science; receiving her MLIS from the University of South Florida. Her previous experience as a Law Librarian and as Member Services Coordinator for an 18 county library consortium in Florida provided her with the opportunity to work and train with libraries of all sizes and types. Her primary professional interests are advocacy, outreach and training library staff on everything from technology to project management and customer service techniques. In her spare time she is an avid runner, traveler, outdoors lover and crafter.

About Brian Pichman

Brian Pichman, a forward-thinking technologist and champion for progress, breathes new life into libraries and educational institutions through his groundbreaking work across his careers. By seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art technology, fostering dynamic collaboration, and nurturing a culture of innovation, Brian masterfully transforms organizations into vibrant centers of creativity, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement that inspire lifelong learning. His unwavering commitment to reimagining the role of libraries and educational institutions in the modern world has a profound impact on communities, reshaping the way organizations operate and cementing his legacy as a transformative force for change in the world of education.

About Internet Librarian Connect 2024

With Internet Librarian Connect, the leading virtual conference on library technology, librarians and information managers from all over the world have an equal opportunity to attend this exciting conference in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner. Along with the flexibility of participating from anywhere, Internet Librarian Connect offers attendees the benefits of no travel costs, diverse content with the convenience of on-demand access, and global networking opportunities.

There are so many positive possible futures for libraries in every community—campuses, municipalities, hospitals, schools, corporate and non-profit enterprises, governments, and more. The trick is to channel the passion librarians have into building awareness and relationships in their communities; taking action and not waiting for citizens, students, researchers, business folks or faculty to come to them; creating and experimenting with innovative programs and services using new and evolving technologies; securing solid partnerships to expand programs and resources; and futurizing strong, collaborative, successful and sustainable communities. Find out how to accomplish this and more at Internet Librarian Connect 2024 — Embracing Disruption & Forging New Tech Pathways!

Now in it's 28th year, the Internet Librarian conference caters to librarians and information professionals of all types and from all settings. No matter what your role, you’ll find all your bases covered. And, better yet, you can expect to log-off at the end of the week having gained new friends and career allies as well as actionable advice and strategies for moving forward.

We look forward to seeing you online October 21 - 24 for this can’t miss career- and organization-changing opportunity!