If you’re a bookworm, chances are you’ve used Libby, the go-to app for borrowing e-books and audiobooks from your local library. But here’s the twist: Libby just rolled out a shiny new AI-powered feature called “Inspire Me.” It’s designed to help you discover your next favorite read based on prompts, themes, or books you’ve saved before. Sounds cool, right? Well… not everyone’s cheering.
Book lovers are split. Some are excited about personalized recommendations, while others—especially librarians—aren’t thrilled about AI stepping into a space long dominated by human expertise.
How “Inspire Me” Actually Works
![Libby's new discovery tool helps patrons explore their library's digital collection -- [Library Technology Guides]](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Here’s the fun part: the “Inspire Me” feature is like a bookish genie. You tell it what you’re into—fiction or nonfiction, genres, themes, or even vibes—and it magically pulls together a personalized list of five titles you can borrow right now from your local library’s digital collection.
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Examples? You can search for:
- “Spine-tingling” mysteries
- “Dark humor about modern family dysfunction”
- Or even a specific author’s style
Unlike generic recommendation engines, Libby’s AI only suggests titles available for immediate borrowing, saving you from the heartbreak of falling in love with a book you can’t actually read yet.
Why Some Users Are Side-Eyeing It
Of course, not everyone’s buying into the AI hype. Librarians and traditionalists argue that human-curated lists offer a level of nuance and personal touch AI just can’t match. After all, there’s something magical about a librarian knowing exactly which obscure book will change your life, right?
Then there’s the privacy debate. Some users worry about how their data might be used or shared when AI gets involved. OverDrive, the company behind Libby, has been quick to reassure users:
- No unnecessary personal data is collected
- User details stay anonymized and confidential
- No third-party sharing—your bookish secrets are safe
OverDrive’s Stance: Humans Still Matter
OverDrive insists “Inspire Me” isn’t replacing librarians—it’s complementing them. Think of it as your AI sidekick rather than a librarian substitute. According to Jen Leitman, OverDrive’s CMO, the goal is to “make book discovery more intuitive while maintaining the essential role of human curation.”
Translation? The AI helps you browse faster, but the heart of library recommendations still beats strong.
The Bigger Picture: Tech vs. Tradition
The mixed reactions around “Inspire Me” highlight a bigger question: how far should AI go in spaces built on human interaction? Libraries have always been about community, expertise, and connection—but integrating AI means rethinking how discovery works.
OverDrive officially launched the feature this month, with full rollout expected by September. Whether you’re team “AI is amazing” or team “leave my library alone,” one thing’s clear: the way we find our next great read is evolving—and AI is officially part of the story.
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