Embedded Files
Karina Dominguez & Max Flowers
Karina Dominguez & Max Flowers
INFO 282 Sec 13 | Spring 2025
The Los Angeles Public Library provides free and easy access to information, ideas, books and technology that enrich, educate and empower every individual in our city's diverse communities.
– Los Angeles Public Library Mission Statement
The Los Angeles Public Library stands at a pivotal moment of technological transformation. By thoughtfully implementing artificial intelligence solutions, LAPL can enhance patron experiences, streamline operations, and strengthen community connections while maintaining its core mission of public service. This roadmap provides change leaders with a structured approach to managing this complex transition over a one-year timeframe, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, phased implementation, and continuous evaluation.
Libraries today face unprecedented opportunities to leverage AI technologies to better serve their communities. The LA Public Library, as a cornerstone institution in one of America's most diverse cities, is uniquely positioned to demonstrate how AI can enhance traditional library services while preserving the human-centered approach that makes libraries vital community spaces.
This guide provides a change management strategy for AI integration at LAPL, addressing priorities, challenges, and approaches for the first year. The roadmap uses established principles and a phased approach balancing technological innovation with community needs.
Key Change Management Principles
Key Change Management Principles
Regardless of implementation phase, these core principles should guide all change management activities:
Transparency: Maintain open communication about goals, challenges, and progress.
Inclusivity: Ensure all staff and community stakeholders have opportunities for input.
Education: Prioritize continuous learning about AI capabilities and limitations.
Flexibility: Be willing to adjust timelines and approaches based on feedback.
Ethics-First Approach: Prioritize patron privacy, data security, and equitable access in all AI initiatives.
Specific AI Implementation Recommendations
Specific AI Implementation Recommendations
Based on library needs and technological readiness, these AI applications offer particular promise:
Patron-Facing Services
Patron-Facing Services
AI-powered reference assistance
Personalized reading recommendations
Multilingual chatbots
Enhanced accessibility features including live captioning and translation services
Operational Efficiencies
Operational Efficiencies
Automated cataloging assistance
Predictive collection development
Smart scheduling systems
AI-assisted website accessibility tools to replace or enhance current ReachDeck toolbar
Community Connection
Community Connection
Data-driven community needs assessment
Personalized programming recommendations
Improved online engagement tools
AI literacy workshops to educate the community about what AI is, what it is NOT, and how to use it effectively
The Roadmap
The Roadmap
First Weeks (1-4): Orientation & Foundations
First Weeks (1-4): Orientation & Foundations
Priority Projects
Priority Projects
AI Readiness Assessment: Conduct a thorough evaluation of current technological infrastructure, staff capabilities, and community needs.
Initial Stakeholder Engagement: Form a diverse steering committee including librarians, IT staff, community representatives, and library leadership.
Vision Development: Create a compelling vision statement that aligns AI integration with the library's core mission and values.
During this phase, change leaders should focus on understanding the library's mission, policies, staff dynamics, and community needs, while evaluating existing technology infrastructure.
Activities include:
Meeting with staff across departments
Evaluating current services and operations
Researching AI applications relevant to libraries
Developing initial draft proposals for AI integration
Change Leader Expectations
Change Leader Expectations
Resistance and uncertainty from staff concerned about job security and technology complexity.
Questions about ethical implications of AI implementation in public services.
Need for clear communication to address misconceptions about AI.
Communication Plan
Communication Plan
Hold all-staff meetings to introduce the change initiative and its purpose.
Establish multiple feedback channels (digital suggestion box, office hours).
Create a dedicated intranet page for AI integration updates and resources.
First Months (2-4): Building Momentum
First Months (2-4): Building Momentum
How to...develop your team
How to...develop your team
Guide for
With foundations established, months 2-4 focus on launching initial pilot programs and developing staff capabilities.
With foundations established, months 2-4 focus on launching initial pilot programs and developing staff capabilities.
Priority Projects
Priority Projects
Pilot Project Selection: Identify 2-3 high-impact, low-risk areas for initial AI implementation (e.g., chatbot for basic patron inquiries, collection recommendation engine).
Staff Training Program Development: Design tiered training modules from AI basics to advanced applications.
Data Governance Framework: Establish protocols for data collection, usage, and privacy protection.
Potential Challenges
Potential Challenges
Change fatigue among staff juggling regular duties with new initiatives.
Technical hurdles in integrating AI with legacy systems.
Community skepticism about privacy and the role of technology in traditionally human-centered services.
Troubleshooting Approaches
Troubleshooting Approaches
Implement workload adjustments to accommodate training and pilot participation.
Establish cross-functional teams to address integration challenges.
Host community forums to address concerns and showcase benefits.
Reporting Structure
Reporting Structure
Bi-weekly steering committee meetings to review progress.
Monthly department head updates on implementation milestones.
Quarterly reports to library board and key stakeholders.
Mid Year (Months 5-8): Implementation & Expansion
Mid Year (Months 5-8): Implementation & Expansion
As pilot programs demonstrate value, this phase focuses on expanding AI implementation and deepening staff expertise.
As pilot programs demonstrate value, this phase focuses on expanding AI implementation and deepening staff expertise.
Priority Projects
Priority Projects
Expanded AI Service Rollout: Launch initial AI services to public users based on pilot results.
Advanced Staff Training: Provide specialized training for staff to become AI champions within departments.
Community Digital Literacy Program: Develop workshops to help patrons understand and effectively use AI-enhanced services.
Change Management Focus
Change Management Focus
Celebrate and publicize early wins and success stories.
Adjust implementation based on pilot feedback and lessons learned.
Implement a recognition program for staff who embrace and innovate with AI tools.
Communication Strategies
Communication Strategies
Create case studies highlighting AI application benefits for internal and external audiences.
Launch patron-facing communications about new AI-enhanced services.
Distribute progress reports showing measurable improvements in service efficiency.
Reporting Structure
Reporting Structure
Bi-weekly steering committee meetings to review progress.
Monthly department head updates on implementation milestones.
Quarterly reports to library board and key stakeholders.
Year End (Months 9-12): Solidification & Evaluation
Year End (Months 9-12): Solidification & Evaluation
The final phase focuses on comprehensive integration, impact assessment, and planning for sustained innovation.
The final phase focuses on comprehensive integration, impact assessment, and planning for sustained innovation.
Priority Projects
Priority Projects
Comprehensive Service Integration: Expand AI implementation across all appropriate library functions.
Impact Assessment: Conduct thorough evaluation of AI implementation effects on service metrics, staff satisfaction, and patron experience.
Long-term Strategy Development: Create a 3-year plan for continued AI advancement and innovation.
Metrics for Success
Metrics for Success
Measuring outcomes is essential for validating the change initiative. Key metrics could include:
Increased patron engagement with library services
Improved staff efficiency in routine tasks
Positive feedback from community surveys
Successful development of new AI-enhanced services.
Sustainability Measures
Sustainability Measures
Establish ongoing training program for new staff and technology updates.
Create AI governance committee to oversee future implementations.
Develop partnerships with tech companies and educational institutions for continued innovation.
Projects to keep up with especially after integrating AI:
Projects to keep up with especially after integrating AI:
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where you don't know how to handle the team, feedback, formation, etc. Although we provided some examples and solutions above, here are some tips that can be useful.
How to...make innovation happen
How to...make innovation happen
Guide for tips from A.J. Chopra
In Conclusion
In Conclusion
This roadmap provides a structured approach to managing the complex change associated with AI integration at LAPL's main branch. By focusing on stakeholder engagement, thoughtful implementation, and continuous evaluation, the library can successfully transform its services while maintaining its core mission of community service.
Integrating AI into LAPL presents a transformative opportunity to enhance services, streamline operations, and strengthen community connections. Insights from Libraries in the Exponential Age (2016) emphasize the importance of positioning libraries as central innovation hubs, using AI to drive data-informed decision-making and digital literacy initiatives. Information Services Today (2023) highlights AI’s role in improving accessibility, optimizing reference services, and addressing ethical concerns such as privacy and bias. Additionally, the Urban Libraries Council Innovation Awards showcase real-world applications where AI has successfully improved library engagement and equity-focused initiatives. By strategically implementing AI-driven tools—such as virtual assistants, predictive analytics, and accessibility enhancements—LAPL can better meet the evolving needs of its patrons while ensuring that technology serves as a bridge to greater inclusion rather than a barrier.
The journey toward AI integration is not just about technological advancement but about reimagining how the library can better serve its community in the digital age. With careful planning, inclusive leadership, and a commitment to the library's fundamental values, this transition can position LAPL as a leader in innovative library services for decades to come.
More Excellence from Los Angeles Public Library
More Excellence from Los Angeles Public Library
In 2023, LAPL acquired Angel City Press (ACP), a publisher focusing on Los Angeles cultural history. This acquisition helps preserve local stories overlooked by mainstream publishers. ACP maintains its editorial independence while accessing LAPL's resources and distribution. The partnership has created books from library collections and plans seven new titles for 2024 highlighting diverse communities. This expands LAPL's role from collecting stories to actively publishing and preserving Los Angeles's cultural heritage.
The Los Angeles Public Library's "Changing Tones" initiative addressed racial equity through a hybrid documentary screening and panel discussion about the 1992 L.A. uprising. Despite pandemic challenges, they created an accessible event that reached audiences locally and internationally through strategic partnerships, diverse panelists, and technological innovation. The program successfully created a safe space for discussing racism, provided historical context for younger generations, and leveraged digital tools to extend reach beyond Los Angeles, demonstrating the library's commitment to community engagement and racial inclusion.
LAPL's staff mentorship program fosters growth, connections, and inclusivity through structured mentoring. Born from the "Take the Lead" initiative, it helps employees across 73 libraries overcome isolation and find career guidance. After a 2021 pilot and 2022 expansion, the program matches participants based on goals and optional identity preferences. Results show success: 67 staff from 44 units participated in 2022, with 89% reporting positive professional development impact. The program has expanded in 2023 to include peer mentorship circles.
References
References
Barefoot, R. (2022). Change management. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today: an introduction (pp. 271-281). Rowman & Littlefield.
Chopra, A. J. (1999). Managing the people side of innovation: 8 rules for engaging minds and hearts. Knowledge Exchange.
Garmer, A.K. (2016). Libraries in the exponential age: Moving from the edge of innovation to the center of community. The Aspen Institute. https://www.aspeninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Libraries_Exponential_Age.pdf
LA This Week. September 7, 2023. Los Angeles Public Library Overview. [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/yxh0DMD2ldY?si=9HGb7KxqCsuXNMWu
Los Angeles Public Library. (n.d.). CodeCombat: Intro to AI. Retrieved March 2, 2025, from https://www.lapl.org/whats-on/events/codecombat-intro-ai
Los Angeles Public Library. (n.d.). Digital inclusion. Retrieved March 2, 2025, from https://lapl.org/digital-inclusion
Los Angeles Public Library. (n.d.). Los Angeles Public Library. https://lapl.org/
Urban Libraries Council. (2023a). Angel City Press at the Los Angeles Public Library. https://www.urbanlibraries.org/innovations/angel-city-press-at-the-los-angeles-public-library
Urban Libraries Council. (n.d.). Makerspaces in libraries: Octavia lab. Retrieved March 2, 2025, from https://www.urbanlibraries.org/resources/makerspaces-in- libraries/octavia- lab
Urban Libraries Council. (2023b). Staff mentorship: building leadership and equity. https://www.urbanlibraries.org/innovations/staff-mentorship-building-leadership-and-equity
Urban Libraries Council. (2023c). The fire this time - changing tones project. https://www.urbanlibraries.org/innovations/the-fire-this-time-changing-tones-project
Page updated
Report abuse