Libby’s secret AI function shocked me

Guide-lending app Libby will get a variety of use on my gadgets. As a voracious reader and an E Ink tablet enthusiast, I most likely learn a minimum of a dozen books a month because of Libby so when this app has a brand new function to take a look at, I need 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 function within the app that’s designed to assist readers discover their subsequent ebook. I used to be somewhat skeptical of this new function as I am not an enormous fan of AI typically, however I used to be nonetheless excited to try it out.

Nonetheless, it seems to be like this function is a bit exhausting to search 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 straightforward, all it’s important 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 possibly can select from, like “nerdy,” “mythic,” or “haunted.” Following that, the chatbot gives you 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. Based on Libby, this new function 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 even use Libby’s #InspireMe AI function to advocate books primarily based on tags you utilize within the app. I initially used this to search for books primarily based on the eyeball emoji tag, which I created for books I need to circle again to and browse 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 shocked after 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 would not appear to be something like this for the usual immediate, which I used to be ready to make use of a number of occasions to generate completely different outcomes.

When you’re carried out with the chatbot, you possibly can 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 heart of your menu bar on the backside on the display screen 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 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 individuals 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 reduce 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 in the event 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 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 function I am unable to say I am too mad about it being an possibility for individuals who would profit from it.