Young people from Ballymoney, Coleraine, Glarryford and Upperlands have helped shape the future of library services in Northern Ireland after generating more than 170 ideas through an innovative AI-powered work experience programme delivered by Fujitsu, Sherpas AI, Libraries NI and The Bytes Project.
The six-week programme combined paid work experience, emerging technologies and real-world problem solving, challenging participants to answer a live brief from Libraries NI: How might we reimagine libraries around what young people truly value? The initiative concluded with a graduation celebration at Ballymoney Library.
Supported by youth workers from The Bytes Project's network of local youth hubs, participants gained hands-on experience of artificial intelligence while developing communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking skills. The programme focused on young people from communities facing significant socio-economic challenges, helping widen access to opportunities, networks and emerging technologies that can often feel out of reach.
Clodagh O'Donnell, Area Manager (North East) and Interim Deputy CEO at The Bytes Project, said:
"Many of the young people who took part would not typically see themselves as innovators or technology creators. Through this partnership they developed new skills, confidence and aspirations, demonstrating what can happen when young people are given the opportunity and support to succeed."
Using Sherpas AI's SuperSquad methodology, participants tackled a live innovation challenge from Libraries NI, combining AI tools with creativity and problem-solving to generate ideas and prototypes for future library services. Concepts included enhanced study spaces, immersive creative environments, rewards-based learning initiatives and new ways to engage young people with library services.
One shortlisted concept, Silent Disco at The Library, proposed by participant Kimberly, explored how libraries could invite teenagers in on their own terms through wireless headphones and curated music channels, illustrating how youth-led design can help shape more inclusive and accessible public services.
For Libraries NI, the programme provided far more than a traditional consultation exercise. Young people acted as co-designers, offering authentic insight into how libraries can continue evolving as trusted spaces for learning, wellbeing, digital participation and community connection. The programme generated practical evidence and ideas to help inform future service development and youth engagement.
Paul Kelly, Senior Services Manager at Libraries NI, said:
"This programme gave us something incredibly valuable: authentic insight from young people about what they need from libraries in the future. Their ideas were creative, ambitious and grounded in lived experience, helping us understand how libraries can continue evolving as inclusive spaces for learning, wellbeing and opportunity."
The programme delivered measurable outcomes, with 88% of participants reporting increased confidence in communication and 63% reporting stronger collaboration skills, alongside improvements in creativity, critical thinking and AI literacy. It generated more than £3.50 of social value for every £1 invested and demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusion, with 33% of participants eligible for free school meals, 17% from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and 50% identifying as neurodivergent.
Kathy Walker, Co-Founder and CEO of Sherpas AI, said "Young people are often told that AI will change the future. Through programmes like this, we're showing them that they can help shape that future. By applying AI to real-world challenges, participants develop confidence, creativity and practical skills while demonstrating the value they can bring to organisations and communities."
A key factor in the programme's success was the expertise of Sherpas AI, whose learning model combines emerging technologies with essential human skills. By applying AI to real-world challenges, participants gained practical experience while developing capabilities increasingly valued by employers.
Claire McBride, Social Value Manager at Fujitsu, reflected that, "This programme demonstrates what is possible when businesses, communities and public services come together around a shared purpose. The young people involved didn't just learn about AI, they applied it to solve real challenges, develop new skills and influence future services. By creating pathways into the digital economy, we are helping ensure that talent, wherever it exists, has the opportunity to thrive."
By combining trusted local youth work, innovative learning experiences and real-world challenges, the programme generated fresh thinking for future library services and helped develop the confidence, skills and aspirations of the next generation. As Northern Ireland embraces digital transformation and AI-driven innovation, partnerships such as this will play an increasingly important role in building a more inclusive, innovative and prosperous future.
