Libby’s secret AI characteristic stunned me

Ebook-lending app Libby will get a whole lot of use on my units. As a voracious reader and an E Ink tablet enthusiast, I most likely learn no less than a dozen books a month because of Libby so when this app has a brand new characteristic to take a look at, I wish to bounce in and mess around with it instantly. A number of days in the past, I discovered by way of Reddit that there was an experimental new AI characteristic within the app that’s designed to assist readers discover their subsequent e-book. I used to be a little bit 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.

Nonetheless, it seems like this characteristic is a bit onerous to search out, as app customers will not discover it on any menus throughout its preliminary rollout. As a substitute, you must 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 you must do is kind #InspireMe (with the hashtag) into Libby’s search field on the prime of the display. From there, you will be greeted with a space-y background and a immediate field, that features a number of primary classes you’ll be able to select from, like “nerdy,” “mythic,” or “haunted.” Following that, the chatbot will provide you with some primary synopses of broad plot tropes which you’ll then choose from to see 5 choices obtainable at your library that match these broad classes. In line with Libby, this new characteristic prioritizes volumes that may be borrowed instantly, so it is simpler than ever to search out your subsequent learn.

Along with performing these broad searches, you can too use Libby’s #InspireMe AI characteristic to suggest 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 wish to circle again to and skim later when my TBR is backed up.

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The AI suggestions from that tag labored effectively sufficient, however I used to be stunned once 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 would 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 instances to generate totally different outcomes.

When you’re carried out with the chatbot, you’ll be able to shut it by choosing the Menu button on the prime left. To re-access it, you needn’t kind the key phrase once more, simply press the Libby icon on the middle of your menu bar on the backside on the display to start out once more.

Is that this AI carried out 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 in the case of discovering their subsequent learn.

Although there are many moral questions in the case of the environmental impression of AI, Libby’s AI policy says that the characteristic has been particularly designed to reduce vitality impression. 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 in the event 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 one more AI characteristic to an app that did not actually need it. I can not say I absolutely 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, elective characteristic I can not say I am too mad about it being an choice for individuals who would profit from it.