Libby’s secret AI function stunned me

Ebook-lending app Libby will get a variety of use on my gadgets. As a voracious reader and an E Ink tablet enthusiast, I in all probability learn at the very least a dozen books a month due to Libby so when this app has a brand new function to take a look at, I wish to bounce 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 function within the app that’s designed to assist readers discover their subsequent ebook. I used to be a bit of skeptical of this new function as I am not an enormous fan of AI usually, however I used to be nonetheless excited to try it out.

Nonetheless, it seems like this function is a bit laborious to seek out, as app customers will not discover it on any menus throughout its preliminary rollout. As a substitute, it’s important 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 important to do is sort #InspireMe (with the hashtag) into Libby’s search field on the high of the display. From there, you may be greeted with a space-y background and a immediate field, that features a number of primary classes you possibly can select from, like “nerdy,” “mythic,” or “haunted.” Following that, the chatbot gives you some primary synopses of broad plot tropes which you’ll be able to then choose from to see 5 choices accessible at your library that match these broad classes. In response to Libby, this new function 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 also use Libby’s #InspireMe AI function to advocate books primarily based on tags you employ within the app. I initially used this to search for books primarily based on the eyeball emoji tag, which I created for books I wish to circle again to and browse 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 stunned once I went again and tried to get suggestions primarily based 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 achieved with the chatbot, you possibly can shut it by choosing 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 heart of your menu bar on the backside on the display to begin once more.

Is that this AI achieved proper?

I do not know the way a lot I will use this function, however my first impression is sweet

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I’m loath to say that I like an AI function 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 many who are caught with regards to discovering their subsequent learn.

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

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