Reimagining learning through AI art: the promise of DALL-E and MidJourney for education and libraries

Purpose This paper aims to explore the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) image generators, specifically MidJourney and DALL-E, on education and library services. The study aims to understand how these tools can revolutionize learning experiences and library resources while also addressing the ethical considerations surrounding their use. Design/methodology/approach This study investigates the technical foundations of MidJourney and DALL-E, highlighting their neural network architectures. It also traces the iterative refinement of these models and examines cost, accessibility and the unique prompt-guided capabilities of DALL-E 3. Findings MidJourney and DALL-E show remarkable progress in generating high-quality, photorealistic images from text prompts. The iterative refinement of these models demonstrates a trend toward improved creative output and user accessibility. DALL-E 3, in particular, allows users to guide image generation through prompt modifications, offering unprecedented control over the creative process. The study identifies potential applications in personalized learning, visual communication and research support in libraries, while recognizing challenges such as cost and accessibility. Originality/value This research innovatively explores AI's impact on education and libraries, detailing applications in personalized learning and research while addressing legal and ethical considerations.