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MLA 2026 Pre-Conference: A Beginner’s Guide to Human-Centered AI and Libraries

Tuesday October 28, 2026
1:00 - 4:00 PM

Vibe Credit Union Showplace, formerly known as Suburban Collection Showplace
Pearl Room
46100 Grand River Ave
Novi, MI 48374

Artificial intelligence (AI) is substantively impacting public discourse, business practices, education, and the information landscape. As their communities’ information hubs, public libraries must have a working knowledge of AI’s potentials and risks so that they can help patrons navigate AI effectively.

This three-hour workshop provides a bird’s-eye view into today’s artificial intelligence landscape. It will surface ethical, practical, patron-centered, and policy-related questions related to AI use in libraries, keeping humans at the center of decision-making. The workshop leaves room for each participant to craft personal and professional guidelines, policies, and practices.

Topics will include: 

• Types of AI we encounter in daily life 
• How AI works 
• Technical, ethical, practical and social issues related to AI use 
• Minimizing risks and maximizing accuracy in AI outputs 
• Issues surrounding development of hyperscale data centers throughout Michigan 
• Using AI offline (without data centers) 
• AI tools and youth 
• Hands-on tool exploration with tools and strategies that may help your community’s entrepreneurs, students, and others 
• Common-sense responses to patron questions like, “Are there better or safer ways to use AI?”

We ask that you attend with an open mind, recognizing that there may be a diversity of AI perspectives in the room, and that you hold space for perspectives that are different from your own. We encourage you to bring your favorite devices (smartphone, laptop, tablet); you will have the option to download recommended apps or create online accounts based on your comfort level.

Please note that registration for the Pre-Conference is separate from registration for the MLA 2026 Annual Conference.

Presenter

Kristin Fontichiaro, University of Michigan School of Information

Registration

Member Rate: $100.00
Non-Member Rate: $200.00

Register to attend by clicking the link below. This form applies to members, non-members, and students. Please note: individual membership is required to receive the 50% discount on registration rates and the registration must be submitted from the individual member’s profile. If you need help accessing your account, please contact us at [email protected].

Register

Conference Policies

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations for MLA in-person and hybrid events (including the annual conference, if virtual) must be received in writing by e-mail no later than ten (10) business days prior to the program in order to qualify for a refund. Within ten (10) business days of the event, no refund will be issued. Registrations received within ten (10) days of the program are not eligible for a refund. No-shows will be invoiced.

A $35.00 processing fee will be applied to refunds for workshops and conferences.

If an MLA professional development workshop, conference, webinar, or other training session is cancelled due to low registration or inclement weather, participants will be notified and fees, if applicable, will be refunded.

Consent Policy

Registration and attendance at, or participation in, MLA meetings or other activities constitutes an agreement for the use and distribution of the attendee's image in photographs or videos of the event. Attendee names may be shared with fellow attendees by inclusion in an event directory.

MLA Code of Conduct

MLA’s vision is to be a highly effective, trusted network of libraries, library employees, trustees, friends and supporters working together to support and promote the highest quality library services throughout Michigan. To fulfill our vision, MLA has built, and is dedicated to maintaining, an inclusive and equitable community where all people can come together to advance our shared vision.

MLA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants and MLA staff. Each participant, including attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, and service providers, is expected to understand and follow MLA policies and report any violations. These expectations apply to all MLA activities (whether virtual or in-person), including but not limited to those held in conjunction with conferences, events, and meetings. Any conduct that is prohibited in person is also prohibited online, including but not limited to on MLA social media pages and other online platforms. 

The full Code of Conduct can be reviewed here: MLA Code of Conduct.

Health and Safety Guidelines

We ask you to be courteous and conscientious of others while meeting in-person at the event, especially when it comes to health and safety.

Common Allergens

MLA will make every effort to ensure that provided meals are free of any declared allergens. Please ensure you have alerted MLA staff to any allergies you may have. If you have emergency medications, such as an EpiPen, please carry it with you during the conference. Although we always aim to work with you to provide a safe and comfortable conference, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free event or prevent others from bringing potential allergens to the event. Conference attendees and exhibitors are asked to refrain from bringing, distributing, and consuming products containing peanuts and other nuts at the conference.