[Michlib-l] NMU library web designer - AI fellowship

[Leslie Warren]

Please indulge me while I brag about our web designer, Ismail Msuya. I'm
very proud!

Msuya Awarded AI Institute Fellowship
<https://news.nmu.edu/msuya-awarded-ai-institute-fellowship> (May 21, 2021)

Ismail Msuya, web designer/developer for Northern Michigan University's
Lydia M. Olson Library, has been awarded an Institute of Museum and Library
Services fellowship to attend the 2021 IDEA Institute on Artificial
Intelligence (AI).

An aim of the institute is to spark future innovation, collaboration and
dissemination of AI in library and information environments. The institute
is a week-long, evidence-based and applications-oriented professional
development program for professionals in the field.


[image: image.png]


“AI has predominantly become a part of our daily lives,” said Msuya. “The
adoption of AI in libraries and information environments will open the door
to transformative opportunities for increasing library usage and enhancing
the overall user experiences. A prime example of such opportunities
includes the implementation of AI and visual sensors to translate sign
language into text or speech at the circulation and reference desks.”

Msuya also noted that some public libraries have implemented the Pepper
robot, the world's first social humanoid robot. The Pepper is able to
recognize faces and basic human emotions, to assist with library services,
such as locating books and periodicals and responding to questions,
including research questions.

“Learning about and integrating AI seems like the perfect next step for me
to combine my experiences and knowledge in design thinking, usability and
accessibility. The implementation of AI will enhance my future daily
problem-solving strategies in my workplace. I can visualize precisely how
AI will work collectively with our current advancements to successfully
impact the direction we want to take with our library.”

Msuya will spend one week in July 2021 at the Institute in Knoxville,
Tenn., pending COVID-19 circumstances. The fellowship covers a maximum
amount of $500 for the program fee, lodging, per diem or program meals and
transportation to Knoxville.

Msuya will also participate in an online pre-institute onboarding program
and post-institute activities, like project presentations and
implementation.

The acronym IDEA stands for Innovation, Disruption, Enquiry and Access. The
IDEA Institute on AI is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library
Services. More information about the program is available on the institute
website.

Msuya has been an NMU employee for four years. His work responsibilities
range from providing technical support for virtual reality and the Digital
Media Tutoring Center to addressing website needs for the Library and
Instructional Support (LIS) division.

“I have worked on revamping the library website, the implementation of
virtual reality in the library and the implementation of the pandemic
documentation website. Currently, I am working on revamping our Space
Reservation System to enhance the overall user experience and integrate
with other campus systems such as The Hub, the new campus community
platform.”


I'm looking forward to the good things this program will bring to
libraries.

Leslie

Leslie A. Warren
Dean | Library and Instructional Support
Northern Michigan University
906-227-2117
1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
*Pronouns: she, her, hers*
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