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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 16, 2024
LibraryReady.AI Initiative Set to Transform N.Y.
School Libraries with Artificial Intelligence, Media
Literacy and Information Fluency
Kickoff event to put librarians in the spotlight for their key role in preparing students for the future
HARRISON, N.Y.—A groundbreaking initiative integrating artificial intelligence, media literacy, and information fluency into New York State's school libraries will kick off later this month with a statewide professional learning session, the School Library Systems Association of New York State (SLSA) and the Allison Rosen Foundation have announced.
"This initiative comes at a pivotal moment for New York State's school librarians, emphasizing the crucial role they play in preparing students for the future," states Dr. Jen Cannell, President of SLSA, and School Library System Supervisor at Southern Westchester BOCES. “LibraryReady.AI is poised to position New York's school libraries and school librarians at the forefront of AI integration in education.”
Backed by a $20,000 donation from the Allison Rosen Foundation, LibraryReady.AI aims to develop a comprehensive scope and sequence, accompanied by curriculum units seamlessly incorporating AI, media literacy, and information fluency concepts into library instruction. Working in tandem with school librarians and educational partners, SLSA will design learning units for each grade level, fostering a cohesive and engaging learning experience that equips students with the essential skills needed for an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.
To kick off the initiative, SLSA will host "Innovate, Integrate, Lead: School Librarians at the Forefront of the AI Revolution” on January 17th. Dr. Christopher Harris, Senior Fellow for the American Library Association, and School Library System Director at Genesee Valley BOCES, will be the keynote speaker. This statewide professional learning session will lay the foundation for LibraryReady.AI.
"In recognition of the invaluable role that school librarians play in shaping educational
experiences, the Allison Rosen Foundation is thrilled to announce a $20,000 donation to SLSA for the LibraryReady.AI initiative. This pledge underscores our commitment to empowering these essential educators as influential leaders within the ever-evolving landscape of education," states Roger Rosen, Chairman of the Board of the Rosen Publishing Group and the Allison Rosen Foundation.
Among the many expected outcomes of the initiative are the improved ability of students to think critically, expand their digital literacy, and understand AI and its implications. Librarians will build their skills and resources to teach these complex topics with confidence. School librarians themselves will rightly be seen as leaders in AI and partners in computational thinking instruction.
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For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Miriam Gilbert
Vice President, Rosen Publishing
(303) 808-7187 | [email protected]
Dr. Jen Cannell
President of SLSA, and School Library System Supervisor at Southern Westchester BOCES (914) 922-3127 | [email protected]
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