Building AI Literacy Through Library-Led Copilot Training: A Practice-Based Case Study

Abstract

Libraries across all sectors are increasingly expected to support their organisations in navigating artificial intelligence (AI) tools while also building confidence, critical judgement and ethical awareness among staff. This practice-based article summarises a conference presentation delivered by Mairéad McKeown and David Lombard at the Health Sciences Libraries Group (HSLG) Annual Conference 2026. It describes the design and delivery of a Microsoft Copilot graduate upskilling programme at Bord Bia and positions librarians and knowledge professionals as capability builders and trusted guides in organisational AI adoption. It outlines a structured, time-bound learning programme that combined foundations in AI literacy with hands-on experimentation embedded in everyday work, supported by knowledge management (KM) tools and reflective practice. While developed in a specific organisational context, the programme design, learning principles and librarian-led interventions are transferable across library sectors, including health, academic, public and special libraries.