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Artificial Intelligence

ARL Policy Notes 2024-08-19

Libraries are at the forefront of information stewardship, where the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, presents new opportunities to enhance access, management, and dissemination of information. AI may innovate services, create educational opportunities, and impact library operations and collections, possibly enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of libraries. However, these possible advancements come with challenges that libraries must navigate. By embracing and exploring AI as transformative technology, libraries can adapt and continue to serve as vital community and academic hubs in the digital age.

The ARL Views blog post, “Research Libraries Prepare for a World of AI-Influenced Research and Scholarship,” provides a high-level overview of how ARL is proactively addressing the impact of artificial intelligence on research and scholarship by developing principles, engaging in advocacy, and using scenario planning to prepare libraries for a future shaped by AI technologies.

Current Programs

Futurescape Libraries: Mapping Possibilities for Tomorrow’s Information Hubs

ARL/CNI AI Scenarios: AI-Influenced Futures

ARL and the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) formed a joint task force in November 2023 to articulate a set of scenarios for possible futures for the research enterprise. The scenarios are heavily shaped by recent developments in AI and machine learning, with a particular emphasis on generative AI. The purpose of the scenarios is to help the ARL and CNI communities—and, indeed, the broader public—to better understand the possible outcomes of developments and policy choices, rather than to predict the future.

The ARL/CNI AI Scenarios: AI-Influenced Futures emerged from the collaborative efforts of the ARL/CNI Joint Task Force on Scenario Planning for AI and Machine Learning Futures, facilitated by Stratus, Inc. and led by Cynthia Hudson Vitale. This initiative involved extensive stakeholder engagement with ARL and CNI members in 2023–2024, gathering input from over 300 participants through focus groups, workshops, and one-on-one interviews.

For more information: 

Implementing Futurescape Libraries

In August 2024, the US Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded ARL a one-year Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grant to implement Futurescape Libraries: Mapping Possibilities for Tomorrow’s Information Hubs. This grant project will build upon the ARL/CNI AI Scenarios. Outputs for this grant will include:

  • Regional Workshops: Putting the Scenarios into Practice
  • A Toolkit/User Guide for the Scenarios
  •  National Forum: Strategic Implications of an AI-Influenced Future

Contact Judy Ruttenberg (judy@arl.org) with questions on Futurescape Libraries. 

Research Libraries Guiding Principles for Artificial Intelligence

In April 2024, ARL released a set of principles that serve as a foundational framework for the ethical and transparent use of AI and reflect the values we hold in research libraries. ARL relies on these principles in our policy advocacy and engagement.

Research Libraries Guiding Principles for Artificial Intelligence. Washington, DC: Association of Research Libraries, April 2024. https://doi.org/10.29242/principles.ai2024. 

For more information:

“New AI Guidelines Aim to Help Research Libraries.” Inside Higher Ed, May 1, 2024.

Artificial Intelligence & Copyright

In July 2023, the Library Copyright Alliance (LCA), composed of ARL and the American Library Association, released the “Library Copyright Alliance (LCA) Principles for Copyright and Artificial Intelligence,” which details how the US Copyright Act is fully capable of addressing the intersection of copyright and AI without amendment. 

PDF: Library Copyright Alliance Principles for Copyright and Artificial Intelligence

Contact Katherine Klosek (kklosek@arl.org), ARL’s director of Information Policy and Federal Relations, with questions regarding AI and copyright.

See related AI and copyright blog posts and news items.

AI Strategies in Libraries

The onset of accessible AI technologies, such as generative AI, marks a significant turning point for libraries. In this era of swift technological transformation, libraries need AI strategies to enhance service efficiency and effectiveness and to address critical issues such as data privacy, information literacy, and the technical skills required for AI integration. By adopting comprehensive AI strategies, libraries can evolve their operations and services to meet the demands of modern information seekers, while also navigating the complexities of ethical and secure AI implementation.

Evolving AI Strategies in Libraries: Insights from Two Polls of ARL Member Representatives over Nine Months. Washington, DC: Association of Research Libraries, March 2024. https://doi.org/10.29242/report.aipolls2023.

“Member Session: Research Library AI Readiness—Opportunities and Considerations” (Login Required). Leo Lo & Dianne Babski. August 30, 2023. Webinar Recording.  

“Quick Poll Results: ARL Member Representatives on Generative AI in Libraries” ARL Views (blog). May 9, 2023.

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