Webinar: Refusal as Instruction: Talking to Patrons about AI

Originally presented September 30, 2026

Generative AI is being pushed by big technology companies through forced adoption by design, resulting in purple sparkles appearing everywhere you look and plenty of questions from frustrated and confused library patrons. 

In this webinar, Hannah Cyrus covers how to frame generative AI to patrons in ways that are aligned with library values, including tips for reference interactions, passive programs, direct instruction, and teaching classes. 

From quickly explaining to low-digital-literacy patrons how this technology works and why it is not a reliable information source, to finding opportunities to correct misunderstandings among enthusiasts, to providing directions for how to turn the darn things off, attendees will come away with strategies for pushing back against a technology rife with labor, environmental, and social concerns that library workers can take a stand against.

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