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University Libraries Host First Generative AI Day

October 4, 2024
Generative AI Day


AI Goes to College! Learning to integrate artificial intelligence in teaching, research, and service will be the focus of MSU Libraries’ first Generative AI Day. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, the event will feature a keynote speech by Dr. Jonathan Barlow, a panel on AI ethics, and a series of workshops.

Organized by Dr. Deborah Lee, Professor and Director of Research Impact and AI Strategy for University Libraries, the event aims to assist university professors, researchers, and students as they navigate these evolving times.

“Generative AI continues to redefine teaching and research,” said Dr. Lee. “At MSU Libraries, we believe it’s essential to support our users as they adapt to this shifting landscape. Through initiatives like Generative AI Day, along with online guides, tutorials, and workshops, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting the digital literacies needed for success in the 21st century.”

Dr. Jonathan Barlow is the Associate Director of the MSU Data Science Academic Institute and an Assistant Teaching Professor. Previously, he served as Associate Director at NSPARC, a research center at Mississippi State University. With over 25 years of experience in software development, data modeling, and data analysis, Barlow has a rich background in both industry and academic research. He holds a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University, and his research interests include natural language processing and the ethics of artificial intelligence.

The panel on Generative AI Ethics will feature Megan Bean, Assistant Professor of Practice and Copyright and Information Policy Specialist, MSU Libraries; Eunyoung Kim, Assistant Professor, Department of Management and Information Systems; Barton Moffatt, Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy and Religion; and Merrill Warkentin, James J. Rouse Endowed Professor of Information Systems. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Lee.

Afternoon workshops will include Useful AI Tools, led by Megan Stubbs-Richardson and Katerina Sergi, both Assistant Research Professors at the Social Science Research Center; and Building an AI Literacy Framework, led by Lara Taylor, Instructional Technology Specialist, MSU Libraries, and Mike Kentz, AI Literacy Consultant.

Morning events will take place in the John Grisham Room on the third floor of Mitchell Memorial Library, while the afternoon sessions will be held in the Presentation Room 1405 on the library’s first floor. All events are free and open to the public.