Primary tabs
You don't need to be an ALA Member to purchase from the ALA Store, but you'll be asked to create an online account/profile during checkout to proceed. This Web Account is for both Members and non-Members. Note that your ALA Member discount will be applied at the final step of the checkout process.
If you are Tax-Exempt, please verify that your account is currently set up as exempt before placing your order, as our new fulfillment center will need current documentation. Learn how to verify here.
- Description
- Table of Contents
- About the author
Grounded in core ALA principles, this guide will empower library administrators, managers, and trustees to craft AI-related policies that effectively serve their library and community.
Though it’s challenging to set policies for a technology that is so young and still in flux, the need is urgent. Because usage of AI presents both opportunities and risks, libraries must be proactive. The WEF (World Economic Forum) predicts that while there may be a loss of 92 million jobs to various AI tools, they see 170 million new jobs and roles emerging from the use of this new technology. Whether or not this proves correct, there are already digital literacy skills, including a basic understanding of the technology around AI, that libraries can help their patrons master; and because of data privacy, security, and ethics issues, library workers require clear AI policies too. Technology expert Hastings highlights the first attempts of libraries across the country to set up policies for the use of AI in their organizations, as well as policies created by cities and other similar institutions, to guide stakeholders in creating their own smart, forward-thinking course of action. Succinct and pragmatic, this timely resource
- provides a short overview of Generative AI history, basic technical knowledge, and the key arguments put forth by those in favor and those opposed to this technology;
- offers advice on discovering how library staff encounter AI in their day-to-day work, both in their own usage and by patrons, to inform what policies the library needs and which policies to consider adjusting for particular use cases;
- includes separate chapters focusing on staff-side policy and patron/public-facing policy, delving into essential considerations like staff training, privacy and data protection, security, AI usage for reference, patron education and AI literacy, and setting limits and boundaries on patron AI use;
- suggests useful approaches to ensure that AI policies are easy to follow and understand by library workers, patrons, and the wider community;
- discusses how to craft flexible procedures that can be updated as AI continues to change, drawing on technology management best practices; and
- offers links to additional resources like sample policy documents and a curated reading list for understanding the environment around AI.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1 INTRODUCTION TO AI
What Is Generative AI?
How Large Language Models Work
GenAI Capabilities and Limitations
Key Takeaways
2 THE PROS AND CONS OF AI USE IN LIBRARIES
Pros of AI
Cons and Risks of AI
AI Use Cases in Libraries
Key Takeaways
3 AI POLICY FOR STAFF (AND ADMINISTRATORS)
Authorized and Prohibited Uses of AI
Example Policies from St. Charles Public Library
Example Policies from Houston County Public Library System
Example Policies from DeKalb Public Library
Data Protection and Confidentiality
Transparency and Attribution
Staff Training and Collaboration
Non-Technical Policies
Conclusion
Key Takeaways
4 AI POLICY FOR PATRONS
General Information for Patrons
Ethical and Responsible Use for Patrons
AI Usage for Reference
Privacy and Data Considerations for Patrons
Patron Education and AI Literacy
Environmental Concerns
Limits and Boundaries on Patron AI Use
Community Organizations and Vendors
Key Takeaways
5 PROCEDURES
AI System Acquisition and Vetting Process
Integrating AI into Library Services
Managing AI Output and Accuracy
Implementing Digital and AI Literacy Initiatives
General Technology Management Best Practices (Applicable to AI)
Key Takeaways
6 RESOURCES
AI Policies in Use In Libraries
Further Resources for AI Policy Development
Policies from Cities and Other Governmental Organizations
Bibliography