Dr. Daniel A. Reed was the keynote speaker at the 2025 AI Summit.
On May 30, a partnership among the University of Wyoming Libraries (UWL), the Wyoming State Archives (WSA), and the Wyoming State Libraries (WSL) hosted the 2025 AI Summit, which provided a day of insight, conversation, and learning for over sixty Wyoming library and archive professionals about the impact of AI on their work and lives.
A thoughtful lineup of speakers and presenters explored the implications and applications of AI to library and archive work. Keynote speaker, Dr. Daniel A. Reed, provided insight on the definition and capabilities of AI, as well as its history, possible implications to culture, the economy, technology, and the legal world, and speculations comparing and contrasting AI to natural intelligence.
Anne Kuipers presented a session on AI and trademarks.
Anne Kuipers, WSL State Publications Librarian, presented on Trademarks and AI, and Joanne Pruitt, WSL Youth Services Consultant, gave a presentation focused on applying AI to genealogy. Other presentations by librarians, archivists, and business people included Collaborating with AI to Complete a Compassion Audit, Archives & AI, Basics of AI, and Archives & AI. A lightning round of quick AI-related presentations by attendees, including WSL Research and Statistics Consultant, Jessica Otto, added additional insight and variety to the event.
Jessica Otto participated in the event’s lightning round.
Along with the informative sessions, breakfast, lunch, round table discussions, and a social gathering allowed attendees to have conversations to process their new knowledge, share ideas, ask and answer lingering questions, and network with like-minded professionals.
Attendees learned about AI’s applications to genealogy in Joanne Pruitt’s presentation at the AI Summit.
The event was coordinated by a committee of UWL, WSA, and WSL staff, including Abby Beaver, Wyoming State Librarian; Travis Pollok, WSL Information Services Manager; Paige Bredenkamp, WSL eResources and School Library Consultant, and Katelyn Wittenborn, WSL Digital Initiatives Librarian.
In all, over sixty participants attended the 2025 AI Summit in person, and twenty-seven attended the event virtually. Attendees described the event as an informative, enjoyable, and most of all, thought-provoking experience.