Libby’s Library App Launches AI Discovery Feature, Eliciting Varied Responses

The Libby app, known for providing e-books and audiobooks, is now integrating AI functionalities. This change has left some readers and librarians dissatisfied, particularly those who prefer to steer clear of AI in their favorite applications. The newly launched “Inspire Me” feature allows users to receive book suggestions based on their prompts or previously saved titles within Libby.

To make use of this feature, users can select the “Inspire Me” option on the homepage of Libby, where they can request either fiction or nonfiction and tailor their recommendations using various filters, such as age range and content type. For instance, they may choose descriptors like “spine-tingling” or “humorous,” followed by specific scenarios, such as “dark humor about modern family dysfunction” or “time travelers rescuing dragons from medieval knights.”

Once users submit their request, the app will curate five titles that align with the selected inspiration.

As stated by Overdrive, the creators of the Libby app, the recommendations are influenced by each library’s current digital collection, focusing on titles that are available for borrowing.

Despite this practical use of AI, several Libby fans and librarians have shared their concerns on social platforms, advocating for non-AI influenced book recommendations. Additionally, some have raised warnings about potential privacy issues tied to certain AI features.

In light of these concerns, Overdrive has clarified in a policy document on Libby’s AI usage that it does not collect “inessential personal information.” They further assure users that any collected personal data is not shared with third parties or AI systems, reinforcing users’ privacy regarding their details and activities.

Furthermore, if users share a saved tag for recommendations, the AI does not obtain any personal information related to the user, device, or tag specifics—it solely accesses titles for suggestion purposes.

Anticipating some resistance to the new feature, Overdrive highlighted in its announcement that the goal is not to replace “human insight” with generative AI. Instead, it aims to complement library-driven exploration.

“Inspire Me utilizes responsible AI implementation to help patrons discover the vast catalog of resources available at their local libraries,” explained Jen Leitman, OverDrive’s chief marketing officer. “By emphasizing titles that resonate with user interests, Inspire Me enhances the book discovery process. It’s not about substituting human insight; it’s about making the experience more user-friendly and intuitive,” she elaborated.

The feature was softly launched earlier this month, allowing users to access it by searching for “#InspireMe” within the Libby app. It has officially been announced and is set to be available to all Libby users by September.