AI-Assisted Newsletter

To create an AI generated newsletter I used ChatGPT. The initial prompt that I used to create my newsletter was as follows:

"Create a newsletter for a high school librarian that includes hours of operation, contact information, a booklist for young adults, and an upcoming meet and greet event. Make it fun and optimistic"

Along with the following edits:

1) "Add in more upcoming events and a reading challenge of the month"
2) "Add a small description of each book on the recommendations list"
3) "Make the newsletter pretty"

    The newsletter actually did come out very nice and detailed. I liked that once AI generated the newsletter the program opened it up in a split-screen format. That was beneficial because I was able to make my own edits on the small things that wouldn't take up a lot of my time, such as dates and times, and could still prompt ChatGPT to create bigger edits such as adding or deleting events and adding book descriptions. AI came up with the game night and poetry slam, which I actually liked the idea of, so I kept those two events and then added two of my own. Also, as an experiment, I had it replace a book on the booklist with one of my choosing and it substituted the two perfectly. The creative liberties that the program took like the name of the newsletter, the use of "bookworms", and the added emojis, were all things that I thought enhanced the letter and were easily editable if they were unwanted or needed to be changed.

    That being said, there were a few negatives. I tried to switch an event with another on the page and ChatGPT kept informing me that it was unable to find what I was talking about. I attempted it three times before I edited myself and then had to put in a word document to fix the formatting because it wouldn't go back to how it initially was set up. Another negative was that besides adding the emojis, ChatGPT couldn't actually make a formatted newsletter. The information is there which is important, but it couldn't format it look like a newspaper or a one pager with fun backgrounds or fonts. Canva is a platform that I enjoy using and I use it to make announcements and posters, so I wish that ChatGPT could create something on that level. That being said, the program did give me step-by-step instructions on how to to find a suitable template on Canva and gave template suggestions.

    Thinking back on the LinkedIn Learning Lesson, one of the biggest points that was made about using AI was that it saves time. One of the most valuable resources for any teacher or librarian is time because there is never enough. However, if there is an easy and efficient way to save time and still create quality content, then that road needs to be taken. I believe that's what happened with this AI assisted newsletter. Though not everything was perfect and, as the lesson mentioned, edits needed to be made, this saved me a lot of time. Even just typing all of this information out and thinking of what to say or put where would've taken a couple hours, but this was created in 30 seconds. The additional edits I prompted ChatGPT took another 30 seconds, and I had a fully informative newsletter for my future library. If I wanted to still use Canva, which i probably would, copying and pasting this information into an already made template would still save me time in the end.

Overall, ChatGPT and other AI programs are very helpful to use because it helps create content quickly, which in turn helps librarians keep information relevant, up to date, and helps with consistent output. The LinkedIn Learning mentioned how important it was to post to social media (or create newsletters in this case) consistently so that the audience can regularly see activity and be involved. AI helps make this faster and easier and can be used for other things than newsletters like brainstorming event ideas, captioning for school social media posts, and organizing information.

*The newsletter for my future school below 👇

📚✨ The Book Nook ✨📚
Your Monthly High School Library Newsletter
August Edition

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🌟 Welcome, Bookworms! 🌟
We’re thrilled to kick off another school year with The Book Nook! Stay in the loop with library updates, book recommendations, and exciting events. Grab a cozy seat, and let’s dive in!

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📖 Library Hours
📚 Monday - Thursday: 7:15 AM - 4:30 PM
📖 Friday: 7:15 AM - 3:30 PM
📕 Closed on weekends (But don’t worry, we won’t judge if you spend the weekend reading!)

📌 Contact Us!
📞 (555) 123-4567
📧 library@highschool.edu
📍 Main Building

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📚 YA Must-Reads This Month!
Here are some fresh picks to add to your reading list:
✨ They Both Die at the End – Adam Silvera
A heartbreaking yet hopeful story about two teens who receive a call that they will die within 24 hours and decide to live their last day to the fullest.

✨ The Inheritance Games – Jennifer Lynn Barnes
A thrilling mystery where a teenage girl unexpectedly inherits a billionaire’s fortune, but to claim it, she must solve a complex puzzle while dealing with the billionaire’s scheming family.

✨ Legendborn – Tracy Deonn
A modern fantasy infused with Arthurian legend, where a young girl discovers a secret society and her own hidden powers while investigating her mother’s mysterious death.

✨ Scythe – Neal Shusterman
A gripping dystopian novel set in a future where death has been conquered, and only Scythes can take lives to control population growth—until two teens are chosen to become Scythe apprentices.

✨ The Sunbearer Trials – Aiden Thomas
A vibrant and action-packed fantasy inspired by Mexican mythology, where demigods compete in high-stakes trials to prevent the return of an ancient evil.

📖 Stop by to check them out or ask for personalized recommendations!

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🎉 Upcoming Events! 🎉
📅 Meet & Greet the Librarian!
⏰ August 19th | 3:10 - 4:30 PM
☕ Come meet your librarian, ask for book recommendations, and learn more about what the library has to offer! Snacks and drinks provided. Bring a friend!

📅 Board Game & Puzzle Night!
⏰ August 25th | 3:10 - 4:30 PM
🎲 Unwind with board games, puzzles, and snacks! Challenge friends or meet new ones over a friendly match.

📅 Poetry Slam Open Mic!
⏰ September 10th | 3:10 - 4:30 PM
🎤 Calling all poets! Share your original works or favorite poems in a supportive and fun environment. Sign up at the front desk!

📅 Book Club!
⏰ September 25th | 3:10 - 4:30 PM
📚 Join us for an open discussion about any books you’re currently reading! Whether it's a new favorite or an old classic, share your thoughts and hear what others are enjoying.

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🏆 Reading Challenge of the Month! 🏆
📖 August Challenge: Kickstart Your Reading Habit!
Start the school year strong by setting a reading goal! Pick a book that excites you and track your progress. Submit a short review to enter a prize drawing!

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📢 Stay Connected
Follow us on Instagram & Twitter @HighSchoolLibrary for updates, bookish memes, and surprise giveaways!

📚✨ See you at the library! ✨📚