When Cynthia Soll and Rachel Kramer from McLennan Community College (MCC) Library in Waco began experimenting with AI, they weren’t intending to lead a tech revolution; their main focus was just trying to save time. 

Like many library staff across Texas, they wear a lot of hats. So when they saw an opportunity to use AI to help speed up the research they conducted for faculty and administration, they gave it a shot. That small step turned into something bigger: a library-wide exploration of how artificial intelligence can support—and sometimes reshape—library work.

‘I’m a bit of an AI geek,” Soll said, “I got into it with Midjourney about three years ago. I wasn’t using generative AI but then I started using ChatGPT and thinking about practical ways I could implement it into my work. Now, I’m an AI evangelist!”

From voice-overs to digital exhibits, MCC Library is learning by doing. Soll and Kramer’s approach is rooted in curiosity, transparency, and care for their campus community. “It’s not about chasing the newest tool,” Kramer said. “It’s about asking: does this help us meet our goals more efficiently or more effectively?”

Here are a few ways they’re using AI to do just that:

Creating Voice-overs for Instructional Videos

When the library needed to update its video tutorials, Soll and Kramer found a smart shortcut: using AI-generated voice-overs instead of recording their own. ElevenLabs generative voice AI software is allowing them to create clear, professional narration. It saves time and reduces the stress of getting every take perfect. “We wanted to focus on what we were saying—not just how we sounded saying it,” Kramer noted.

Supporting Student Research with AI Tools

MCC librarians don’t just teach research—they also explore new ways to model it. Tools like Elicit and ResearchRabbit are helping both staff and students brainstorm keywords, discover relevant papers, and visualize research networks. Soll is careful to point out the importance of human judgment. “We always emphasize critical thinking,” she said. “AI can point you in a direction, but it doesn’t replace good research practices.”

Increasing Digital Accessibility with AI-Generated Descriptions

For a recent cultural heritage exhibit, Kramer used ChatGPT to create accessible descriptions of photographs. “A truly accessible image description goes far beyond minimal alternative text,” she said. ChatGPT completed the descriptions much more quickly than the exhibit team could have on their own. The AI descriptions provide a comparable experience of the exhibit for non-visual patrons, demonstrating how emerging tools can enhance current accessibility work.

Helping the Campus Build an AI Policy

As AI continues to evolve, the MCC Library is helping students and faculty navigate how (and when) to use it responsibly. Soll recently contributed to the college’s AI task force, which created a draft policy using a “stoplight” framework: green means approved uses, yellow requires caution and instructor guidance, and red is prohibited. It’s a simple system, but one that encourages thoughtful, open conversation.

What’s Next?

MCC Library isn’t claiming to have all the answers. But that’s what makes their work so valuable: they’re asking the right questions. By testing tools, documenting what works, and talking openly with colleagues, Soll and Kramer are showing how libraries can lead in times of change by using AI tools thoughtfully and sharing what they learn.

Soll said, “It’s important to realize that AI is like the internet—it’s not going away. We need to learn how to use it like experts because information literacy is our job, and we need to help students and patrons to navigate these tools. It can’t just be about our personal preference; we really need to be engaged in this space.”

Kramer added, “We’re not replacing people with AI. We’re making space to do more of the work that matters.”

Their advice for other libraries thinking about using AI?

“Start small, be honest about limitations, and stay rooted in your mission,” Soll said. “Pick a tool and get familiar with it. I mostly use ChatGPT, for example. If you’re concerned about losing your ‘voice,’ what I often do is give it a piece of my writing and ask for suggestions, which gives me the option to take and incorporate the feedback or leave it alone. You can also train it to make suggestions in a voice similar to your writing style.”

“Keep privacy in mind. That’s first. And secondly, I recommend experimenting with free versions of tools before making a full commitment to a subscription or purchase. Third, encourage staff to experiment. Each staff member will find their niche,” Kramer said.

If you are interested in using AI in your library, Soll will be presenting a webinar for the LILI (Lifelong Information Literacy) Show and Tell series on May 14, at 1:00 pm (ET). The session, Enhancing Library Instruction Videos with AI-voiceover Software, will focus on integrating AI-voiceover software into library instruction videos and highlight Soll’s use of ElevenLabs’ software.