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Schar School associate professor Alan R. Shark’s new book is called Artificial Intelligence—A Primer for State and Local Governments: Everything You Need to Know Since Yesterday, a self-description that pretty much sums up the contents.
But look closely at the cover, just under the all-consuming tentacles of the maroon cephalopod sitting atop a pile of electronic devices and books. The byline indicates the 164-page book is written by “Alan R. Shark,” followed by “With ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity AI.”
Wait. What? Did the professor use AI to write a book about AI?
In fact, he did.
“People kept asking me to recommend a central source of information, and as I looked around, I found little to recommend,” said Shark, who is executive director of the Public Technology Institute and cochair of the National Academy of Public Administration’s Standing Panel on Technology Leadership. “Hence I took it upon myself to write one myself.”
As for employing artificial intelligence to help write a book about artificial intelligence, Shark is quick to point out, “It was a human-machine collaboration!”
While Shark the human wrote the book, “AI helped with organizing thoughts, creating outlines, and seeking sources,” he said. “The book was edited twice using AI—so it was AI checking on AI.
The book is designed to serve as a comprehensive guide for state and local government officials, employees, and policymakers attempting to understand and leverage AI's potential. It draws on Shark’s years of teaching and studying technology’s use for the public good.
“We delve into the core concepts of AI technology, exploring its various applications within the government sector,” said Shark, who writes a column for American City and County, a widely read publication for local government leaders. “Practical examples highlight how AI is already utilized to address real-world challenges municipalities and state agencies face.”
Shark said readers may be surprised to discover how AI is being contemplated for use in the public section—in fact, it already is, he said.
“AI is not a fad and is here to stay,” he said. “It will grow, and we as public stewards must stay informed—and yes—remain in control.”
The distinctive cover art features an intimidating octopus representing AI sitting amid a stack of screens. Naturally, it’s an AI rendering.
“The octopus on the cover has gotten a lot of attention,” Shark said. “It was prompted by me, and it took many renditions before arriving at the one I went with. The octopus vision that came to me was this: Imagine an octopus sitting atop mounds of data, both structed and unstructured. After all, data is the foundation of AI.
“I should point out that an octopus has eight limbs, and it so happens this book contains eight chapters.”
The eBook version is available at Amazon. The paperback version is at Barnes & Noble.