Libby’s secret AI characteristic shocked me

Guide-lending app Libby will get numerous use on my units. As a voracious reader and an E Ink tablet enthusiast, I in all probability learn at the least a dozen books a month due to Libby so when this app has a brand new characteristic to take a look at, I need to leap in and mess around with it instantly. A number of days in the past, I came upon by way of Reddit that there was an experimental new AI characteristic within the app that’s designed to assist readers discover their subsequent guide. I used to be just a little skeptical of this new characteristic as I am not an enormous fan of AI typically, however I used to be however excited to check it out.

Nevertheless, it seems like this characteristic is a bit onerous to seek out, as app customers will not discover it on any menus throughout its preliminary rollout. As a substitute, it’s a must to enter a magic phrase into Libby’s search field.

Getting began with #InspireMe

The chatbot is only one key phrase away

Getting began with the chatbot is pretty simple, all it’s a must to do is sort #InspireMe (with the hashtag) into Libby’s search field on the high of the display screen. From there, you will be greeted with a space-y background and a immediate field, that features a number of fundamental classes you’ll be able to select from, like “nerdy,” “mythic,” or “haunted.” Following that, the chatbot provides you with some fundamental synopses of broad plot tropes which you’ll be able to then choose from to see 5 choices out there at your library that match these broad classes. In response to Libby, this new characteristic prioritizes volumes that may be borrowed instantly, so it is simpler than ever to seek out your subsequent learn.

Along with performing these broad searches, you may as well use Libby’s #InspireMe AI characteristic to advocate books based mostly on tags you utilize within the app. I initially used this to search for books based mostly on the eyeball emoji tag, which I created for books I need to circle again to and skim later when my TBR is backed up.

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The AI suggestions from that tag labored properly sufficient, however I used to be shocked after I went again and tried to get suggestions based mostly on one other tag I created for books I began however did not end I I discovered that there was a time restrict in between tag-based searches. There does not appear to be something like this for the usual immediate, which I used to be in a position to make use of a number of occasions to generate completely different outcomes.

When you’re finished with the chatbot, you’ll be able to shut it by deciding on the Menu button on the high left. To re-access it, you need not sort the key phrase once more, simply press the Libby icon on the middle of your menu bar on the backside on the display screen to start out once more.

Is that this AI finished proper?

I do not understand how a lot I am going to use this characteristic, however my first impression is nice

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I’m loath to say that I like an AI characteristic in 2025, however I’ve to say that this one impressed me. It is unassuming, unobtrusive, and whereas I do not know if I personally will ever use it once more, I can see it being helpful for individuals who are caught on the subject of discovering their subsequent learn.

Although there are many moral questions on the subject of the environmental affect of AI, Libby’s AI policy says that the characteristic has been particularly designed to attenuate vitality affect. As well as, the AI bot doesn’t save any particulars about you or your system, and solely makes use of your studying historical past when you particularly ask it to (like in my case with the tag).

It is value noting that there was important backlash to this characteristic on-line, with many customers on Reddit decrying the addition of yet one more AI characteristic to an app that did not really want it. I am unable to say I absolutely disagree with that sentiment, however I’ll say that I used to be shocked at how a lot I did like utilizing the app. So long as it stays a hidden, non-compulsory characteristic I am unable to say I am too mad about it being an choice for individuals who would profit from it.