AI Jumpstart: Building Library-wide AI Readiness
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Innovation Synopsis
AI Jumpstart is an eight-week internal learning and engagement program designed to build AI literacy across all levels of staff at Columbus Metropolitan Library. This program prepared staff to adapt to emerging technology with confidence and integrity. Developed in-house by CML’s cross-departmental AI Task Force, the program combines structured weekly activities, real-world examples, and hands-on experimentation. Staff were introduced to ways artificial intelligence could enhance workflows, customer service, and creativity. The initiative strengthened organizational readiness and positioned the library as a leader in responsible AI adoption, turning this emerging technology into a catalyst for learning, operational excellence, and responsible innovation.
Challenge/Opportunity
Even though generative AI had been available for more than two years, feedback received from staff indicated uncertainty about how to explore or safely apply the technology in their work. Many expressed interest but lacked structured opportunities to experiment or understand its relevance to library services. CML recognized the need to promote understanding and responsible use of artificial intelligence while focusing on practical, values-aligned applications that could enhance both staff workflows and customer experiences.
Challenges included:
• Limited familiarity and comfort with AI tools
• Lack of a shared framework for safe experimentation and governance
Opportunity: Transform organizational hesitation into informed engagement, building a culture of digital confidence, responsible technology use, and readiness for future innovation.
Key Elements of Innovation
AI Jumpstart was created by CML’s cross-departmental AI Task Force to make artificial intelligence approachable, actionable, and aligned with library values. Developed internally, the initiative emphasized learning through exposure and experimentation rather than formal training.
• Structure: An 8-week curriculum featuring weekly themes (“Everyday Curiosity,” “Work Smarter Not Harder,” “Life in the Library”) with guided prompts and reflective discussions.
• Implementation: All employees participated through hands-on exercises, peer sharing, and team discussions—building confidence and curiosity across 23 locations.
• Innovative Approach: Centered on a “human-in-the-loop” model that balanced experimentation with responsible use, privacy, and transparency.
• Goal: Build AI literacy, strengthen readiness for future technologies, and cultivate a culture of thoughtful, responsible innovation.
Achieved Outcomes
• Participation: Staff across all locations and departments completed the 8-week program, with strong engagement at all levels. The initiative created a shared foundation for AI literacy and introduced a common language for discussing emerging technology.
• Operational Gains: Staff reported greater comfort with AI tools and identified practical use cases for improving daily work—such as communication drafting, data summarization, and creative program planning. The effort sparked ideas for local workflow improvements and informed the development of future initiatives including AI Roundtables and ethical AI discussions.
• Customer Preparedness: The program also strengthened staff readiness to assist customers exploring AI tools, enabling employees to guide safe and informed conversations about emerging technologies.
CML’s model has since been presented at regional and national conferences. CML received the 2025 ALA Library of the Future Award for its AI initiatives.
