Estonian librarians receive training to conduct artificial intelligence training

Dozens of librarians will soon complete a two-day training course in order to later pass on the acquired skills and knowledge to their home communities. The principle of the initiative is to bring the digital state to people where they already go on a daily basis and feel safe asking for help on digital topics. 

This will be followed by pilot trainings in several libraries in May to test and provide feedback on training materials and guidance. 

The Jõgeva Library, Kärdla City Library, Lääne-Harju Rural Municipality Library, Põltsamaa Library, Saare County Central Library, Saverna Public Library, Valga Central Library, Viimsi Library, Viru-Nigula Library, Värska Library and Tallinn Libraries are participating in the pilot program and testing new solutions. 

The training uses e-learning materials from the Digital State Academy managed by the ministry, which will be available to all residents by autumn. 

Lauri Luht, Undersecretary for Digital State at the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs, emphasized that basic knowledge of digital competences is not only acquired on platforms, but also in dialogue and guidance: digital skills must be available to everyone, regardless of place of residence, age or previous experience. 

He added that librarians are the first interpreters of technological change in the community, thanks to whom many people's fear of new technology is replaced by confidence and the knowledge that they can cope with using artificial intelligence. 

A broader training program for librarians and a campaign will be launched in autumn, encouraging people to contact their local library to learn how to use artificial intelligence. 

Kristi Veeber, Chairwoman of the Estonian Librarians' Association, noted that artificial intelligence sometimes still raises fears or questions in people about what it is needed for. 

“The training program that has begun provides an opportunity for very practical learning and experimentation – first for librarians themselves and then also for those who need help and guidance in the library. Artificial intelligence really makes life easier and acquiring basic knowledge about it is actually not difficult – all you need is the courage to start,” she said. 

Those who wish to deepen their skills after the autumn trainings or who already have basic skills are welcome to join the Eesti.ai project workshops, more detailed information about which can be found on the Eesti.ai website. The initiative shares the broader goal with the Eesti.ai project of reaching at least one hundred thousand Estonian residents with knowledge of artificial intelligence.