The e-book and audiobook application Libby, used by libraries, is introducing AI features, which has disappointed some readers and librarians who would rather not see AI included in their preferred apps. The new functionality called “Inspire Me” enables users to receive book recommendations based on prompts or their previously saved titles within Libby.
To utilize this feature, readers can select the “Inspire Me” option on the homepage of Libby, where they can request either fiction or nonfiction and further refine the recommendations based on other criteria such as age group, type of content, and more. For example, users could choose themes like “spine-tingling” or “amusing,” followed by specific scenarios like “dark humor about modern family dysfunction” or “time travelers saving dragons from medieval knights.”
The app will subsequently showcase five pertinent titles that correspond with the requested inspiration.
Overdrive, the creator of the Libby application, states that this feature is dependent on each library’s digital inventory, indicating it will suggest books that the library provides. It also gives priority to titles that are readily available for borrowing.
However, some users of Libby and librarians are voicing their concerns regarding the addition on social media platforms, expressing a preference for receiving book recommendations without the involvement of AI technology. Others have raised concerns about the potential privacy risks associated with certain AI experiences.
In response, Overdrive clarifies in a policy document regarding Libby’s AI usage that it steers clear of gathering “inessential personal information,” and when it does utilize personal data, it is not shared with external parties or AI models. The company also asserts that users’ information and activities are not disclosed to the AI models.
Moreover, if you share any of your saved tags with the AI for suggestions, it does not receive any information about you, your device, or the specifics of your tag—the only information it receives is the titles for recommendations.
Anticipating some resistance to the new feature, Overdrive emphasized in its announcement that its intention is not to replace “human insight” with a generative AI component. Instead, they contend that the feature could serve to “complement” the discovery efforts led by librarians.
“The Inspire Me feature employs responsible AI integration to assist patrons in exploring the vast catalogs curated by their local libraries,” stated Jen Leitman, OverDrive’s chief marketing officer. “By highlighting titles that align with the interests of readers, Inspire Me facilitates the discovery of more books that libraries have already invested in. It’s not intended to supplant human insight but aims to make the discovery process simpler, smarter, and more intuitive,” she added.
The company introduced the feature on a trial basis earlier this month, enabling users to search for “#InspireMe” within the Libby application for access. Now formally announced and being rolled out, all Libby users should anticipate accessing the feature in September.
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