Are you hesitant to use generative AI because it hallucinates, fabricates citations, and gets things confidently wrong? That hesitation is justified—and shared by many information professionals. However, not all uses of generative AI carry the same level of risk, and some can meaningfully support day-to-day repository work when guided by professional judgment. This presentation will highlight several real-world examples of generative AI use in the day-to-day work of a digital repository librarian, including analyzing digital collections, gathering and comparing information, and creating and debugging Python automation scripts. The focus will be on how these tools were used critically and transparently, with librarians remaining firmly in control of decision-making. The session will also engage with broader ethical questions and environmental considerations surrounding generative AI. Rather than advocating for adoption, this presentation creates space for reflection, discussion, and shared learning about how—and whether—generative AI can be used responsibly in professional practice.
