The Libraries AI Funhouse: Unlocking AI One Mini-Session at a Time

Posted on December 2, 2025 by Nicholas Johnson

The AI Funhouse Series, recently launched by the University Libraries, is a brief but lively mini learning series designed to help library faculty and staff build confidence and curiosity around artificial intelligence. Each 15-minute session focuses on demystifying AI concepts and introducing practical tools in a friendly, accessible, and non-technical way. The goal is to create a welcoming space where everyone can begin exploring key concepts in AI and how AI might enhance their work.

Over the course of eight weeks, library faculty and staff were invited to presentations by faculty and staff covering a wide variety of engaging topics. The series kicked off with Build Your First AI Model with Teachable Machine (Nicholas Johnson), followed by AI Literacy Modules for Student Success (Christine Fena) and What’s Hot in Copyright Law! (Victoria Pilato). Attendees also explored The Libraries On-Premise AI Server (John Fitzgerald), Custom LLM Formulas in Google Sheets (Ahmad Pratama), and An Overview of AI Tools in Library Databases (Chris Kretz). The final sessions included What Is Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)? (Umar Malhi) and wrapped with Sycophantic AI (Nicholas Johnson) . Each topic sparked lively discussion and curiosity.

The response to the series has been overwhelmingly positive. Sessions were consistently well attended and included thoughtful questions and a steady stream of ideas emerging from participants. These brief sessions aimed to demonstrate that even small investments of time can spark meaningful discussions and build shared confidence in emerging technologies.

This initiative reflects the Libraries’ broader commitment to supporting AI literacy and fostering a culture of continuous learning. As AI continues to influence education, research, and everyday life, creating approachable entry points for staff and faculty is more important than ever. The AI Funhouse Series is just one example of how the Libraries are helping colleagues navigate new technology in thoughtful and collaborative ways, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum.

To learn more or get involved, please reach out to Nicholas Johnson (nicholas.e.johnson@stonybrook.edu) or visit the Libraries’ AI website for updates and future opportunities to engage.