Technologist Talk: Libraries as civic anchors in the age of AI
Oct 22

As AI transforms our information landscape, libraries have a vital role to play in helping communities navigate change.

Join Ben Kolaitis, Ramsay Reid Fellow at State Library Victoria, for a lunchtime talk exploring AI literacy and libraries as civic anchors.

Libraries are trusted places for information, digital inclusion, and human connection. As AI becomes part of everyday life, library workers are increasingly well placed to help communities understand these technologies, recognise misinformation and access complex digital systems with confidence.

Drawing on his experience working in public libraries and research for Reading the Future, a podcast series he is producing as part of his Ramsay Reid Fellowship, Ben will explore the capabilities library teams need in the AI era. He will also consider what AI means for local history, frontline services, public trust, and equitable access to civic information.

About the Ramsay Reid Fellowship

The Ramsay Reid Fellowship (formerly Margery C Ramsay Scholarship and Barrett Reid Scholarship) empowers emerging and aspiring library leaders to develop bold ideas, address community needs and contribute to the evolution of public libraries.

2025 recipient: Ben Kolaitis

How can public libraries, one of society’s most trusted institutions, support communities to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI?

That is the focus of the of the 2025 Ramsay Reid Fellow, Ben Kolaitis, who will create a podcast series exploring how libraries can respond to the workforce, civic and social impacts of artificial intelligence.

Reading the Future will feature leading experts in libraries, literacy, health, wellbeing, civics, technology, highlighting how public libraries are civic anchors that, when it matters most, provide trusted services that increase access to knowledge and information literacies with honesty, care and expertise.

Benjamin works to ensure that libraries are essential civic infrastructure for digital inclusion, facilitating equitable access to information. He works collaboratively to design and deliver community-led programs that strengthen belonging, literacy and civic participation.

*Image credit: © Hin Lim Photography 2024