Librarian Phil's Tech Tips
December 1st
AI Mishaps

One of my coworkers sent me an article about AI fails in the business world.  I found it very entertaining, so I am going to share my favorite examples from the article below.  If you want to read the full list, as well as the examples in the comments, you can read the article at askamanager.org.
 
  • At my former workplace, the HR director did not know that her AI notes tool was recording her classified grievance meetings with the union representatives and sending a full recap after each one to all parties invited on the calendar invite, even if they weren’t in attendance. We got an email after a bit saying no one was allowed to use AI note takers any longer.
  • I recently saw a ~$50,000 piece of industrial equipment damaged and taken out of commission for about a month because Google AI search told a worker that the tightening torque of a screw was 50 ft*lb instead of 50 in*lb.
    This resulted in them over-tightening the screw by a factor of 12, which unfortunately didn’t strip the threaded hole (which would have been a smaller problem) but instead warped a bearing assembly that required a full rebuild at considerable difficulty and expense.
    The kicker is that the correct torque value was clearly printed in the service manual that is stored in the machine.
  • Me: I’m doing a competitor analysis on [product type] for [customer segment]. Please give me an overview of all the [product type] products offered by banks in [my country] for this type of customer.
    AI: (gushes) Sure! What a fantastic question, you’re a genius! (paraphrasing). Here is the overview.
    Me: (searching for one of the product names listed … cannot find it anywhere) I can’t find this product anywhere. Did you make it up?
    AI: Ooooh … did you mean actual products? Sorry! In future I’ll only reference verifiable information.
    Me: (eye roll, crying into coffee mug, closes AI window)
    (It continued to manufacture content.)
     
December Classes
  • Avoiding Scams on December 2nd at 10:30am
  • Search Like a Librarian on December 9th at 10:30am
  • Code with AI on December 10th at 7pm
  • Google Alternatives and Password Management on December 16th at 10:30am
 
Until Next Time,
Librarian Phil Schneider
pschneider@gailborden.info
847-608-5226
Gail Borden Public Library District

Main Library - 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 - 847-742-2411
Rakow Branch - 2751 W. Bowes Rd., Elgin, IL 60124 - 847-531-7271
South Elgin Branch - 127 S. Mclean Blvd., South Elgin, IL 60177 - 847-931-2090
http://www.gailborden.info/
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