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Together We Learn: Democratizing Knowledge through an AI Community of Practice

Feb 26, 2025
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Summary

Discover how George Mason University Libraries transformed AI from intimidating to accessible through a Community of Practice (CoP). Monthly virtual sessions, led by peers, foster an inclusive environment where staff learn to integrate AI into their work. The CoP’s evolution from tool-specific to task-based learning demonstrates adaptability to emerging technologies. This approach ensures all employees, regardless of technical expertise, can effectively navigate the AI landscape. We’re democratizing AI knowledge and empowering staff from diverse backgrounds to integrate cutting-edge tools into daily work. Join us to learn how to establish your own AI CoP, promote inclusivity, and transform your library’s approach to AI training and implementation. 

 
Presenters

 

Dr. Heidi Blackburn, Computing Librarian, George Mason University, hblackbu@gmu.edu 

Dr. Heidi Blackburn serves as a Computing Librarian at George Mason University Libraries for the Mason School of Computing for the areas of computer science, IT, game design, and statistics. She holds a BA in Business Administration (2006) from Truman State University as well as a Master of Library Science (2008) and a Ph.D. (2015) in Library and Information Science from Emporia State University. She is published in Science & Technology Libraries, Collection Management, Library Hi Tech, and Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship, among others 

Chris Magee, Social Sciences Librarian, George Mason University, cmagee@gmu.edu   

Christopher Magee is one of the Social Sciences Librarians at George Mason University Libraries, serving the Criminology Law and Society, Sport Recreation and Tourism Management programs as well as the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Studies.  He has his BA in Political Science and MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, and MLIS from University of Tennessee – Knoxville.  His focus in emerging and existing technologies, notably Zotero, has led him to his interest in generative AI and outreach and support thereof.   

 

Trevor Watkins, Outreach and Teaching Librarian, George Mason University, twatkin8@gmu.edu 

Trevor Watkins is the Teaching and Outreach Librarian at George Mason University. He leads a mini-team of two staff members on the Teaching and Learning Team, which engages in teaching, special projects, outreach, and library programming for George Mason University Libraries. His research interests include Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI literacy, Augmented Reality (AR), digital sustainability, and human-AI interaction. He is a professional member of IASSIST, IEEE, and ACM (SIGAI, SIGCSE). He is the Technical Lead and senior web developer for Project STAND. He is also the founder of Grey Alien Technologies, where he consults with public libraries, academic libraries, and BIPOC organizations about their technology needs. His current projects include the Black Squirrel GNU/Linux operating system, Cosmology of Artificial Intelligence, Mason’s 3D AR/VR Tour, and MOCA (Mason-Libraries Orientation Conversational Agent).