AI Literacy Interest Group

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy Interest Group at Penn Libraries is a teach-in space where participants will discuss critical AI & technology considerations, striving for nuanced, informed understanding approach of the capacious possibilities and social implications of the tools that are becoming ubiquitous as of 2023 & onwards. Connect with a vibrant community of mindful practitioners, stay informed about the latest AI news, and explore responsible use-cases of AI in the real world. Our sessions center on social applications of Artificial Intelligence for research, fostering collaborative learning and meaningful discussions.

This is a Multidisciplinary Tech Literacy Interest Group. Attendees are not required to use AI or study Machine Learning to drop by. There are no disciplinary bounds. The only prerequisites are curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. You are welcome to join us for particular sessions or for entire events.

Led by Jajwalya Karajgikar Applied Data Science Librarian, Research Data and Digital Scholarship, Penn Libraries

Previous Sponsors:

Fall 2026 Empire of AI Book Club + Hands-on Workshop Series

Over the course of several workshops, we'll be discussing AI concepts through the lens of Empire of AI by Karen Hao.

Participants are not required to read the book in advance.

Aug 26

Workshop

Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff

Empire of AI Book Club Series: Intro to Gen AI Ethics

In this introductory workshop developed under the Draw Down the Lightning grant, you will engage in hands-on games and activities to explore the core functions of popular generative AI tools, including those available at Penn.

August 26, 2026
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Research Data and Digital Scholarship Exchange (RDDSx), Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, First Floor

Two ceramic-like hands grip and pull on delicate threads that emerge from a "woven circuit board."

Sep 22

Workshop

Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff

Code Your Own Local Small Language Model for AI

A hands-on workshop where participants learn to build and run open-source AI models locally on everyday hardware while exploring AI infrastructure, privacy, ethics, environmental impacts, and minimal computing practices.

September 22, 2026
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Research Data and Digital Scholarship Exchange (RDDSx), Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, First Floor

A rock embedded with intricate circuit board patterns, held delicately by pale hands drawn in a ghostly style. The hands evoke human involvement in the extraction and manufacturing processes.

Sep 23

Open to the Public

Games-based Pedagogical Approaches to AI Literacy

Engage in hands-on games and activities developed by participants to explore alternative pedagogical approaches to understanding generative AI tools, and their socio-technical considerations.

September 23, 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm
Research Data & Digital Scholarship Exchange (RDDSx), Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 1st floor

The image shows a surreal landscape with vast green fields extending toward distant mountains under a cloudy sky. Embedded in the fields are digital circuit patterns, resembling an intricate network of blue lines, representing a technological infrastructure. Four large computer monitors with keyboards are placed in a row, each with a Navajo woman sitting in front, weaving the computers.

Oct 06

Workshop

Open to the Public

History of Technology Showcase

Examine representations of automata, mechanical devices, computational objects, humanoid robotic sentience, cryptography, and more, in relation to gender, labor, multilingualism, and environmentalism.

October 6, 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm
Kislak Center Vitale II Lab for Book History and Digital Humanities, Van Pelt-Dietrich Center Library, Room 623

A detailed digital collage inspired by the aesthetic of medieval manuscript illustrations, depicts a vibrant scene of construction workers building a hybrid digital-physical structure.

Oct 26

Workshop

Open to the Public

Take Back Your Technology Hands-on Workshop

Take back control about how you interact with technology; protecting your time, your mind, and your privacy. Design an intentional experience of using your smartphones, laptops, and other devices.

October 26, 2026
10:00am - 11:00am
Hybrid: Research Data & Digital Scholarship Exchange (RDDSx), Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 1st floor; and Virtual

A metal fish-net fence in a snowy mountainous landscape. There is a cutout in the shape of a phone through the fence.

Past Events

AI Literacy at Penn Libraries with AI Research Mixer 2025

Jaj Karajgikar shared AI research at the Penn Libraries as one of 13 Faculty Presentation at 2025 AI Research Mixer, co-hosted by the ASSET Center for Trustworthy AI, IDEAS (Innovation in Data Engineering and Science), the Warren Center for Network & Data Sciences, DDDI (Data Driven Discovery Initiative) and Penn AI.

Watch recording (3:08:08)

collage of different people talking at a podium or chair with screens and research posters around them in Penn Amy Gutmann Hall

AI Principles & Practices Series at Penn

Generative AI tools will revolutionize both the educational and administrative branches of Penn. Presented collaboratively by the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Innovation; Information Systems & Computing, and the Penn Libraries, this event series is designed specifically for Penn faculty and staff, focusing on the tools and resources available within the Penn ecosystem. Topics range from introductory AI literacy to practical applications, with a focus on responsible use and real-world relevance.

Photograph of AI grant recipients with Penn president Larry Jameson

Oct 10 - 11

Workshop

Open to the Public

South Asia Studies Digital Humanities Workshop

The Penn Libraries and South Asia Studies present a space for technology orientation, where participants will strive for a nuanced and informed understanding of the possibilities and limitations of critical digital humanities tools, particularly Computational Text Analysis (CTA) of content found in manuscripts, inscriptions, maps, and other historical documents.

October 10-11, 2024
Orrery Pavilion, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 6th floor

Sep 07

Workshop

Open to Penn Students Only

Prompt Battle-Off with GPT Joust

Who will claim the title of Prompt Champion? Do you have what it takes to turn out the best creative work with ChatGPT?

September 7, 2023
5:15pm - 7:00pm
Kelly Writers House (3805 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104)

Feb 13

Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff