For the May installment of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) Beyond the Algorithm Reading Club, participants can explore human‑centered AI design as both a technical and cultural practice, using Amazon’s Alexa as a critical case study.
Drawing from Dr. Lai-Tze Fan’s article, “Reverse Engineering the Gendered Design of Amazon’s Alexa,” the reading club will consider how AI design choices can perpetuate biases toward traditionally feminized professions, such as librarianship and public‑facing service work, and reinforce expectations of emotional availability, tolerance of mistreatment, and invisible labour.
Beyond the Algorithm participants are encouraged to read Dr. Fan’s article, watch a recorded talk between Dr. Fan and OCUL AI and Machine Learning Program Manager Kari D. Weaver, and register for one of the community discussions to join the conversation and reflect on human‑centered AI design as both a technical and cultural practice.
Sign up for one of the community discussions:
- Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 1-2 p.m. Eastern Time (Zoom)
- Thursday, May 28, 2026, 10-11 a.m. Eastern Time (Zoom)
Beyond the Algorithm is open to all academic library workers – being from an OCUL member library is not required for participation.
Visit the event page for links to the selected article, recorded conversation between Dr. Fan and Weaver, and additional recommended resources on human-centered AI design.
For More Information
Beyond the Algorithm is part of the OCUL AI and Machine Learning Initiative.
For questions about the reading club or AI and Machine Learning Initiative, please email Program Manager Kari D. Weaver: kari.weaver@ocul.on.ca.