SHOWING INITIATIVE
Library Leads AI Initiatives
By Lesley Seacrist, '18 MA Communication Studies
SHOWING INITIATIVE
Library Leads AI Initiatives
By Lesley Seacrist, '18 MA Communication Studies
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is proud to serve as a key San José State University thought leader in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Meet the library leaders addressing AI-related issues and opportunities and explore their innovative projects reflecting SJSU’s vision to be a transformative institution — one that empowers students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the future.
AI @ SJSU
As AI continues to expand its influence in industry, government and education, it’s critical to build and sustain interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration. The opportunity to stay ahead of the curve is happening at library.sjsu.edu/ai, a place to explore cutting-edge research, educational tools and practical insights.
“I welcome everyone to visit our AI website which is the most complete information resource with regards to SJSU’s AI initiatives and events,” says Michael Meth, dean of the SJSU King Library. “Our site is an example of how libraries are as critical as always in the age of AI and how we continue to create opportunities for knowledge discovery and augment SJSU’s impact.”
First-Ever AI Librarian
This year, San José State welcomed its first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Librarian, Sharesly Rodriguez, ‘18 MLIS. As AI applications in academia are increasing, Rodriguez is one of the first dedicated faculty AI librarians at a university to lead the integration and development of AI technologies for an academic library.
“Our investment in roles like this demonstrates how SJSU truly is at the epicenter of the future,” says SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson.
Rodriguez is the principal investigator for “The Landscape of Responsible AI across California Universities and Community Colleges,” a grant from the Knight Foundation and the Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN). The grant aims to establish a multi-phase project aimed at informing future policies and AI frameworks.
“AI is affecting how we access and search for information, which is why libraries need to be a part of the AI conversation, while ensuring responsible implementation,” says Rodriguez.
“AI is affecting how we access and search for information, which is why libraries need to be a part of the AI conversation, while ensuring responsible implementation."
— Sharesly Rodriguez
Chatbots to connect for success
KingbotGPT is an experimental AI chatbot created by the Digital Scholarship Services team led by Rodriguez, along with Web Developer Jessie Cai and Digital Scholarship Librarian Nick Szydlowski.
KingbotGPT’s integration with the library website and use of AI technology with a local dataset sets it apart from other AI tools and complements live reference services with SJSU librarians.
“We’re reimagining library services for today’s students. Our team is creating new pathways for students to access research help, navigate resources, and build their confidence as scholars,” says Christina Mune, ’09 History, ’11 MLIS, associate dean of resources and innovation.
Hands-on workshops to explore AI
The Digital Humanities Center, a partnership between the SJSU King Library, the College of Humanities and the Arts at SJSU and the San José Public Library, provides invaluable resources, including advanced software, workshops and expert guidance.
“This center creates a collaborative space where students and faculty can explore new ways of using cutting-edge digital tools,” says Suhaas Teja Vijjagiri, ‘25 MS Computer Engineering.
Vijjagiri assisted with a build your own AI chatbot workshop. A second workshop, developed by Digital Scholarship Librarian Nick Szydlowski and Digital Scholarship Fellow Aditi Rajesh Shah, ‘25 MS Data Analytics, used a custom AI tool developed in the library to explore bias in chatbots and large language models. Both workshops centered around AI attracted large audiences.
“I think hands-on work with AI systems is a great way to cut through the hype and foster critical engagement,” says Szdlowski.
“Our team is creating new pathways for students to access research help, navigate resources, and build their confidence as scholars."
— Christina Mune
Michael Meth
Christina Mune
Nick Szydlowski
Sharesly Rodriguez
Digital tool to build dreams
During the fall 2024 semester, students participated in a contest to explore their imaginations and create the library of their dreams using Adobe Firefly, an AI-art generator.
"SJSU King Library sees artificial intelligence as an incredible opportunity for learning and growth. By connecting our campus to critical resources and fostering dialogue, we aim to demystify AI, empower ethical use, and inspire creative thinking,” said Christina Mune, associate dean of resources and innovation.
Students from all disciplines crafted AI-generated dream libraries, creating an opportunity for students to learn new technologies and the library to understand user experiences.
“I am not artistically gifted, but I still want to create and tell stories,” said Diana Nataly Gonzalez, '25 International Business, and the first-place winner. “By adding AI to my digital tool belt, I am able to accomplish what I hadn’t believed possible.”
Level up with the new AI lab
During the fall 2025 semester, a new AI space opened on the first floor of the King Library. This collaborative space was brought to life by a foundational partnership with Adobe, the City of San José and the university, which provided the vision and resources to create the physical environment. The space has been further strengthened by the Knight Foundation and NVIDIA's investment in this summer's faculty Omniverse training.
“The opening of this new space marks an exciting new chapter for innovation at SJSU,” says Vincent J. Del Casino, Jr., provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. “This collaborative space reflects our commitment to preparing students and our wider community — not just for the future, but to shape it. It’s yet another way our university serves as a hub for discovery, access and the advancement of knowledge in the heart of Silicon Valley.”
“By adding AI to my digital tool belt, I am able to accomplish what I hadn’t believed possible.”
— Diana Nataly Gonzalez, '25 International Business
Want to learn more?
Top image: Trevor Lindow, '25 BFA Graphic Design, SJSU King Library Marketing Team. This image was created by Midjourney and expanded in Photoshop.
Center image: Katherine D. Harris, director of public programming for SJSU's College of Humanities and the Arts (left), with fellow visitors at the opening of the Digital Humanities Center in 2024. Photo: Robert c. Bain.
