Reflection on New Horizons: AI in Libraries

AI is everywhere in our daily lives. It’s not something we can escape. Whether it’s ChatGPT, Claude, or even the AI found in our email accounts and Internet searches, people are relying more and more on these AI tools to help them with everyday tasks. Of course, we have heard many concerns about the potential dangers of AI as it has become more prominent in recent years, including in the academic sphere as well as the creative sphere. Teachers have rightfully brought up concerns about students cheating while artists and writers have complained about the “AI slop” found in the markets these days. Libraries are not exempt from these challenges. Not only do they have to worry about finding quality products for their customers, but they also have to worry about AI software being pushed at them that is supposed to help them comply with book censorship, which would naturally lack human nuance (Koebler, 2025). 

However, despite these challenges, libraries have the opportunity to rise to the occasion. Patrons can rely on librarians to help them navigate this developing AI-rich world. A few months ago, I personally was able to help an older patron who was frustrated he could not find the content of his friend’s email because all he could see was an AI overview. I had to show him where exactly the AI ended and where the actual email began. One way libraries can combat issues like this is to provide classes for our patrons on the usage of AI. We can explain the nuances of AI usage, how it can be a useful tool if used responsibly but that there are certain factors one must take into account. For one thing, AI chatbots like ChatGPT cannot offer their own opinions (as they are not human and do not have their own brains). Also their information is limited and therefore not always reliable (which is why it can be a good idea to check in with a librarian who can help verify information). For students, one valid concern they may have is that it can be difficult assessing which sources specifically ChatGPT gets its information from, especially if that information can be found on multiple sites (Papini, 2023). 

So what can AI be used for? According to Tom Moriarty, ChatGPT can be useful for “low-level tasks” such as looking up answers to general questions or helping with brainstorming (Jackson, 2023). 

AI can also be used in many capacities within libraries specifically. For instance, it can help librarians with searching for resources, collection development based on usage patterns and user feedback, and curating online content to improve findability and usability of resources. On the patron side, AI can provide: 24/7 assistance thanks to chatbots answering common questions even while no staff is available to help; improved search results; accessibility from assistive technology allowing individuals with disabilities to more easily enjoy library resources; and language translation, making it easier for people who speak other languages to access library resources and interact with staff (PressReader, 2024). 

Some libraries have also incorporated AI in other beneficial ways aside from typical day-to-day tasks. For instance, the Santa Ana Public Library launched a Robots in Residence program which involves AI robots interacting with young individuals, especially those with autism, helping them to develop their social-emotional skills (LibrarIN, 2024). Programs like this one provide hope, rather than fear, when it comes to AI and the impact it has on libraries and communities. When looking into the future, that is what I want to focus on: hope, and possibility. Imagine what we can do, and what we can create when we harness the power of AI for the benefit of all, both inside and outside the library.

Resources

Jackson, J. H. (2023, February 14). Chatting with ChatGPT: Deep dive in five with Tom Moriarty. SJSU NewsCenter. https://blogs.sjsu.edu/newsroom/2023/chatting-with-chat-gpt-deep-dive-in-five-with-tom-moriarty/ 

Koebler, J. (2025, November 6). AI is supercharging the war on libraries, education, and human knowledge. 404 Media. https://www.404media.co/ai-is-supercharging-the-war-on-libraries-education-and-human-knowledge/ 

LibrarIN. (2024, August 27). AI in libraries: Improving experiences for staff and visitors. https://librarin.eu/ai-in-libraries-improving-experiences-for-staff-and-visitors/ 

Papini, A. (2023, January 27). ChatGPT: A library perspective. Bryant University Krupp Library. https://library.bryant.edu/chatgpt-library-perspective 

PressReader. (2024, April 8). How AI in public libraries can benefit librarians and patrons alike.  https://about.pressreader.com/blog/libraries/how-ai-in-public-libraries-can-benefit-librarians-and-patrons-alike/