8 Reasons Destiny AI Changes the Game in Your School Library
Aug 29, 2025
In today’s school libraries, time is precious, demands are rising, and expectations around personalized support and efficiency have never been higher. Shannon McClintock Miller—District Teacher Librarian and innovation leader—has found a powerful ally in Follett Destiny® AI, part of the Destiny Library Manager.
She’s used Destiny AI daily for over a year, and according to her, it’s transformed how she manages, recommends, and celebrates books. Below are eight practical ways Destiny AI is reshaping the modern K-12 library experience—backed by her hands-on experience.
1. Curated Book Recommendations—on Demand
Shannon often gets quick-turn requests from teachers—like “What are 10 great read-alouds for 2nd grade at the start of the year?” Instead of scrambling for titles, she asks Destiny AI. In seconds, she gets a personalized list, complete with reasons why each title fits the age and moment. It’s like having a librarian co-pilot.
2. Collaboration Just Got Smarter
Shannon doesn’t just use Destiny AI solo. She teams up with her library associate and even sits with classroom teachers to brainstorm books, data, or collections in real-time. Destiny AI becomes the shared workspace—speeding up planning and deepening collaboration.
3. Instant Insights from Circulation Data
Need to know how many books have been checked out today? This week? Destiny AI tells her instantly. Shannon uses that info to update daily book counters and celebrate reading wins with her students—turning data into engagement.
4. Support for Weeding and Inventory Projects
At the end of the school year, Shannon used Destiny AI to recall previous inventory data and guide weeding projects. Reports she generated were saved, printable, and ready to use. That meant no redoing work or digging through spreadsheets—it was all right there.
5. Smarter Displays and Promotions
Creating themed book displays? Shannon simply asks Destiny AI: “What are the 10 most recently added nonfiction titles?” Then, she builds her display around them. No more guessing or clicking through lists. Just instant access to timely, relevant titles.
6. Easy Carousel Updates in Destiny Discover
Destiny AI helps Shannon keep Destiny Discover fresh and exciting. She creates ribbons for “Top 2024 Checkouts,” “New Nonfiction,” or “Student Picks,” and quickly populates those lists with AI support. It keeps students curious—and coming back.
7. Time-Saving for Special Events
For events like Read Across America or Battle of the Books, Shannon leans on Destiny AI to generate title lists, analyze circulation, or find themed resources. Instead of spending hours prepping, she has what she needs in minutes.
8. A Joyful Start to the School Year
Back-to-school season is a big moment. Shannon uses Destiny AI to highlight summer reading hits and top picks, bringing students back with a buzz. “It’s a great way to draw them in,” she says, “and to celebrate what we’ve got on the shelves.”
Destiny AI: Built for Real Librarians
Destiny AI isn’t about replacing librarians—it’s about amplifying their impact. From supporting decision-making and analyzing trends to streamlining displays and boosting collaboration, it’s built to work how educators really work.
Want to see Destiny AI in action?
Schedule a personalized demo with the Follett team today. Let’s talk about how AI can save you time, support your goals, and make your library the heart of your school. Schedule a demo today!
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