Libby’s library app adds an AI discovery feature, and not everyone is thrilled

The popular library app Libby is introducing an AI-powered feature that has stirred controversy among some users and librarians. The newly launched tool, named "Inspire Me," enables readers to receive personalized book recommendations based on prompts or their previously saved titles. To access this feature, users simply click on the "Inspire Me" button on the app's home page. They can specify whether they are seeking fiction or nonfiction, and further refine the suggestions by selecting criteria such as age range and content type. For example, users might choose descriptors like "spine-tingling" or "amusing," and then detail scenarios, like "dark humor about modern family dysfunction" or "time travelers rescue dragons from medieval knights." The app will then present five book titles that align with the user's request. OverDrive, the company behind Libby, has stated that this feature is designed to utilize each library's digital collection, ensuring that it recommends books that are currently available for borrowing. However, the introduction of AI into the app has not been well received by all. Some users and librarians have expressed their preferences for traditional book recommendations, free from AI involvement, through various social media channels. Concerns have also been raised regarding potential privacy issues associated with AI technology. In response, OverDrive has issued a policy statement addressing these concerns. The company emphasizes that it does not collect unnecessary personal information and reassures users that any personal data shared is not disclosed to third parties or AI models. Furthermore, when users share tags with the AI for recommendations, the system does not receive any personal details, only the titles related to the tags. Anticipating criticism, OverDrive underscored that the intention behind this new feature is not to supplant the expertise of librarians but rather to enhance the discovery process. Jen Leitman, OverDrive's Chief Marketing Officer, stated, "Inspire Me uses responsible AI integration to help patrons dive deeper into the incredible catalogs their local libraries have curated." She added that the feature aims to make book discovery easier, smarter, and more intuitive, while still valuing human insights. Having soft-launched earlier this month, the "Inspire Me" feature is now officially rolling out, with all Libby users expected to gain access by September.