‘나도 작가’ AI 출판 붐, 도서관이 앞장설 일인가 [.txt]

In a public library in South Korea, an 'AI Author' program has been running throughout the year. It involves creating picture books using generative artificial intelligence (AI), a process that includes topic selection and storytelling using 'ChatGPT', character and illustration generation using 'Midjourney', cover design and editing, and even applying for an international standard library number (ISBN).

The final completed picture books are registered in the library. The participants, who are ordinary citizens interested in becoming picture book authors, learn the entire process from planning to publishing. Limited to 3 batches this year, the program is expected to host a showcase exhibition in November. The promotion slogan reads, 'Creating the dream of authors'.

Similar initiatives are taking place in public libraries across the country. In Gyeongwon Province, a public library offered a similar program for adult participants in the first half of this year, where they learned to create a complete picture book with electronic publishing, including story, illustrations, design, and distribution, on their own.

Another library also launched an AI independent publishing program, successfully publishing a book with registered international standard library number (ISBN) and a price tag for a single creator. Public libraries are not the only ones involved. A university extension center in Seoul introduced a 15-week AI education program in September, teaching students to use AI in writing, editing, and promotion, ultimately publishing a formal work.

This is not an isolated case. Across the nation, public libraries and universities are offering programs enabling anyone to easily create a book using AI. However, these programs differ significantly from the traditional independent publishing process where individuals write, edit, and publish their work independently. These AI-assisted programs usually lack the creation's hardship, creativity, and the foundation of diverse reading.

The programs focus more on teaching 'AI usage' rather than the full process of creating a book. Participants may not fully appreciate the value of a book created through this process. The ease of producing a book using AI technology raises questions about its necessity. While the demand for AI usage education is understandable, the rush to promote AI-generated picture book publishing services may undermine existing commercial programs.

The improper use of AI-generated text and images, falsely attributed to authors, and the inclusion of international standard library numbers and pricing tags could potentially cause harm. The main purpose of public libraries is to provide a collection of books, not to teach the wrong way of using AI technology to create books.