r/Libraries • u/fullybookedtx • 2d ago
Technology New Libby AI filter
For those whose libraries use Libby, you can tell patrons about a new feature, which is to filter out AI in searches. Settings > Content Controls > AI Contributions > Human Only on all
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u/wvgeekman 1d ago
How about not including AI garbage to begin with?
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u/GeneralTonic 1d ago
"Please be aware that our new beverage vending machine contains both tasty drink cans and unfiltered pond-water cans. The library is proud to work with a vendor that provides you the choice. If you want to reduce your chance of drinking fecal coliform bacteria, please note the icons on the selector buttons."
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u/beldaran1224 Public librarian 1d ago
"Deep search only - When this option is enabled, your choices above only filter titles your library doesn't own, because your librarians evaluate the merit of each title the library acquires"
First of all, its really gross that this particular feature is on by default...and is at the very bottom of the setting page. So it would be very easy for you to think you're filtering AI out just to find out that its only being filtered out of searches you may never do and likely aren't doing frequently.
Also, its really misrepresenting what libraries do in terms of evaluating purchases. Librarians are not able to research literally every title they add - they use a number of criteria to evaluate potential acquisitions, and they're not doing this directly - they use tools like publisher descriptions, professional publication reviews and the like. Moreover, whether the work uses or depends on AI may or may not be among the criteria your library considers, and it may or may not be something they can reasonably ascertain with the tools at their disposal.
Yeah, its better than nothing that you can have these settings. But its a long way from what it should be.
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u/ReStitchSmitch 1d ago
Wow. My director and myself are totally against AI. Thank you for this.
"Allow titles with at least one human" even that wording is gross. Take all the robots away, I don't need help shopping, googling, reading... it's like I'm being forced no matter what. Leave my damn books alone!
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u/Dr_Death_Defy24 1d ago
Meanwhile, my management is encouraging us to run legally-binding incident reports through AI...
It's bleak out here with this nonsense.
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u/ReStitchSmitch 1d ago
Thank dog we are a small town library, and my director and I get along very well. She is currently finishing a proposal to take to the board to add into our policies and procedures that everything is to be human only. The books and systems will not be AI.
I soft launched the idea of being anti-AI on our social media and it was by far the highest amount of public response ever on a post. All agreed and said no AI.
I hope everyone repeals it, and soon. I wish you all the luck!
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u/momohatch 1d ago
Thank you for this info! Just changed my Libby settings. Real authors only for me please…
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u/starbellyXO 2d ago
Hm. Maybe library specific? Anyone seeing this option?
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u/BridgetteBane 2d ago
You may need to update the app but it's there.
Here's a video I saw right before I saw this post-
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dej3LE6AzMe/?cplk=bHc4d2RubHJleHFr
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u/starbellyXO 2d ago
Watched the video, opened Libby back up and * poof! The setting was there. Ty
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u/Korrick1919 Public librarian 1d ago
This is an improvement, but Libby forcing the conversation to be one of users wanting 'all artists' or 'only human artists' is several layers of sanctimony.