--- title: "AI and Libraries: Exploring the Future, Carefully" description: Exploring how libraries can responsibly integrate AI to enhance knowledge access while safeguarding trust, privacy, and inclusivity for patrons and communities. image: https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hubfs/BiblioCon%202025/Live%20Pics/2025-10-28%20-%20AI%20and%20Libraries%20-%20Social.jpg --- [Partner Portal](https://partnerportal.bibliocommons.com/hc/en-us) [Support](https://partnerportal.bibliocommons.com/hc/en-us/requests/new) [Careers](https://www.bibliocommons.com/careers) [![BiblioCommons\_logo\_RGB](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/BiblioCommons_logo_RGB.png?width=2000&height=586&name=BiblioCommons_logo_RGB.png)](https://www.bibliocommons.com/) Why BiblioCommons? ## Featured Resources [![64cc72825ae66c58460a5783\_BiblioCommons\_Resource\_Video-Story-Lawrence-Polli\_Thumb](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/64cc72825ae66c58460a5783_BiblioCommons_Resource_Video-Story-Lawrence-Polli_Thumb.jpeg?width=600&height=350&name=64cc72825ae66c58460a5783_BiblioCommons_Resource_Video-Story-Lawrence-Polli_Thumb.jpeg) Lawrence Public Library Creates Personalized Readers Advisory Services to Connect with Patrons](https://resources.bibliocommons.com/access-granted-video-lawrence-public-library-creates-personalized-readers-advisory-services-to-connect-with-patrons) [![Library 2.0: Why Everyone’s Talking About Digital Accessibility-Everyone-Is-Talking-Digital-Accessibility\_Thumb](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/64cc728108678fffccadf55e_BiblioCommons_Resource_Blog_A11y-Everyone-Is-Talking-Digital-Accessibility_Thumb.jpeg?width=600&height=350&name=64cc728108678fffccadf55e_BiblioCommons_Resource_Blog_A11y-Everyone-Is-Talking-Digital-Accessibility_Thumb.jpeg) Library 2.0: Why Everyone’s Talking About Digital Accessibility](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/blog/library-2.0-why-everyones-talking-about-digital-accessibility) [See all resources](https://www.bibliocommons.com/resources) ## Why BiblioCommons? [Success Stories Hear how Library Partners are making an impact in their communities](https://www.bibliocommons.com/success-stories) [Our Story A better online catalog was just the beginning](https://www.bibliocommons.com/our-story) [Libraries We Work With Take a look at all the Partner Libraries that subscribe to BiblioCommons](https://www.bibliocommons.com/libraries-we-work-with) [News Stay up-to-date on the latest company updates with news articles, press releases, and announcements](https://www.bibliocommons.com/news) Solutions ## Featured Resources [![How EPL Makes All Formats Easily Discoverable on Its Online Catalog](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/64cc7283a40d493701247bda_BiblioCommons_Resource_Video-Story-EPL-BiblioCore_Thumb.jpeg?width=600&height=350&name=64cc7283a40d493701247bda_BiblioCommons_Resource_Video-Story-EPL-BiblioCore_Thumb.jpeg) How EPL Makes All Formats Easily Discoverable on Its Online Catalog](https://resources.bibliocommons.com/access-granted-video-how-epl-makes-all-formats-easily-discoverable-on-its-online-catalog) [![Library 2.0: Inclusive Images and Text Take Your Website Beyond Technical Compliance](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/64cc728263171ef951dfe9fe_BiblioCommons_Resource_Blog_A11y-Inclusive-Images-and-Text_Thumb.jpeg?width=600&height=350&name=64cc728263171ef951dfe9fe_BiblioCommons_Resource_Blog_A11y-Inclusive-Images-and-Text_Thumb.jpeg) Library 2.0: Inclusive Images and Text Take Your Website Beyond Technical Compliance](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/blog/library-2.0-inclusive-images-and-text-take-your-website-beyond-technical-compliance) [See all resources](https://www.bibliocommons.com/resources) ## Solutions [![Discovery Layer](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/6442a211ced7fa857343a5cf_biblio-core-round.svg) Discovery Layer Accurate search results, easier borrowing, and endless discovery pathways](https://www.bibliocommons.com/solutions/bibliocore) [![Discovery Layer Add-Ons](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/6442a211ced7fa857343a5cf_biblio-core-round%20(1).svg) Discovery Layer Add-Ons Unlock more ways to engage with patrons](https://www.bibliocommons.com/solutions/bibliocore-add-ons) [![Mobile App](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/6442a2113ed2327dd1a577c3_biblio-apps-round.svg) Mobile App Deliver engaging content and promote discovery wherever your patrons are](https://www.bibliocommons.com/solutions/biblioapps) [![Website Builder](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/6442a2119e3caf2ea2a27417_biblio-web-round.svg) Website Builder Showcase the best your library has to offer with a fully integrated CMS and webpage builder](https://www.bibliocommons.com/solutions/biblioweb) [![Events Calendar](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/6442a211fe53659fbd9b0c10_biblio-events-round.svg) Events Calendar A patron-friendly way to manage and promote your library's programs and events](https://www.bibliocommons.com/solutions/biblioevents) [![Email Marketing](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/6442a2118a7ef86b347b5dae_biblio-email-round.svg) Email Marketing Email Marketing That’s Personalized, Automated, and Integrated](https://www.bibliocommons.com/solutions/biblioemail) Services ## Featured Resources [![Library 2.0: How Accessible Is Your Mobile App? (Tips to Make It Happen!)](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/64cc72835ae66c58460a58ad_BiblioCommons_Resource_Blog_A11y-Mobile-App_Thumb.jpeg?width=600&height=350&name=64cc72835ae66c58460a58ad_BiblioCommons_Resource_Blog_A11y-Mobile-App_Thumb.jpeg) Library 2.0: How Accessible Is Your Mobile App? (Tips to Make It Happen!)](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/blog/library-2.0-how-accessible-is-your-mobile-app) [![Creating Focused Emails That Will Delight Library Patrons](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/64cc7280d4d4629cd9c4467a_BiblioCommons_Resource_Blog_Email-Structure_Thumb.jpeg?width=600&height=350&name=64cc7280d4d4629cd9c4467a_BiblioCommons_Resource_Blog_Email-Structure_Thumb.jpeg) Creating Focused Emails That Will Delight Library Patrons](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/blog/creating-focused-emails-that-will-delight-library-patrons) [See all resources](https://www.bibliocommons.com/resources) ## Services [Professional Services Support your library’s team with professional services](https://www.bibliocommons.com/professional-services) [Training and Support Comfort in knowing you're always supported](https://www.bibliocommons.com/training-and-support) Resources ## Featured Resources [![Email Marketing Planning](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/64cc727f70e1ef2a2b0a928b_BiblioCommons_Resource_Template_Email-Marketing-Planning_Thumb.jpeg?width=600&height=350&name=64cc727f70e1ef2a2b0a928b_BiblioCommons_Resource_Template_Email-Marketing-Planning_Thumb.jpeg) Email Marketing Planning](https://resources.bibliocommons.com/template-email-marketing-planning) [![64cc7284d4d4629cd9c44a5b\_BiblioCommons\_Resource\_Blog\_Mktg-PR-to-Visionary\_Thumb](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BiblioCommons%20rebrand%202023/Images/64cc7284d4d4629cd9c44a5b_BiblioCommons_Resource_Blog_Mktg-PR-to-Visionary_Thumb.jpeg?width=600&height=350&name=64cc7284d4d4629cd9c44a5b_BiblioCommons_Resource_Blog_Mktg-PR-to-Visionary_Thumb.jpeg) Library Marketing: From Building Public Relations to Becoming Visionary Storytellers](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/blog/library-marketing-public-relations-to-visionary-storytellers) [See all resources](https://www.bibliocommons.com/resources) ## Resources [All Resources Access all types of resources like guides, templates, videos, and reports to learn best practices and get new ideas](https://www.bibliocommons.com/resources) [Webinars Register to attend upcoming live webinars and get access to on-demand webinar recordings that cover a variety of topics](https://www.bibliocommons.com/webinars) [Blog Dive into our blog to read about library trends, expert opinions, fresh ideas, and practical tips that you can use in your day-to-day](https://www.bibliocommons.com/blog) [Newsletters Sign up to receive the latest in public library topics, new product features, and upcoming events in your inbox](https://www.bibliocommons.com/newsletters) [BiblioCon Learn from public library staff and leaders that are experts in creating unforgettable, fresh, and engaging experiences](https://www.bibliocommons.com/bibliocon) [Contact Us](https://www.bibliocommons.com/contact-us) # AI and Libraries: Exploring the Future, Carefully [October 30, 2025](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/blog/ai-and-libraries-exploring-the-future-carefully) At BiblioCommons, we have been receiving a lot of questions from our Partner Libraries about artificial intelligence (AI). It is a topic filled with both excitement and concern, and we share both. So, that is why we would like to be transparent about how we are thinking about AI, what we are testing out, and how we are ensuring that any use of AI aligns with the values that libraries and their patrons trust us to uphold.  The Democratization of Knowledge As our General Manager Marty described in a recent [webinar,](https://resources.bibliocommons.com/webinar-ai-libraries-and-the-democratization-of-knowledge) AI is part of a long history of technology advancing the democratization of knowledge. Just as the public library movement opened access to books, and just as digital catalogs opened access to collections, AI represents another wave in this transformation process. It has the potential to make knowledge easier to access, to learn, and to share.  There is real potential here. Early pilots, like the World Bank’s use of a generative AI tutor in Nigeria, have shown accelerated learning outcomes that were unthinkable just a few years ago. > "In just 30 school days, students achieved the equivalent of two academic years." > > John Nosta, The Digital Staff, Psychology Today For libraries, it is not a question of whether AI will shape knowledge access, but how to engage with it responsibly.    ## Libraries and Trust Our Partner Libraries have reminded us that trust must come first, and we couldn’t agree more.  AI is sometimes applied irresponsibly by Big Tech in ways that violate trust:  - **Privacy breaches**: Such as illegal collection of voice and location data. - **Environmental impact**: With data centers driving up energy use. - **Bias and misinformation**: Made worse by weakened moderation and opaque algorithms. Public libraries can offer a different path. By being privacy-first, unbiased, sustainable, and safe, libraries are well-suited to be trusted stewards of new technology in ways Big Tech is not. BiblioCommons’ mission is to ensure that when AI touches your digital services, it does so in a way that respects these values.    ![Illustration of the word Trust in the centre, with the words Sincerity, Consistency, Integrity, Commitment, Reliability surrounding it., ](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Reliability.png?width=600&height=328&name=Reliability.png) ## *Above: Trust, as a main operational pillar of libraries, needs to be at the forefront of AI development and decision-making when introducing new systems and processes into libraries. Tying into trust are sincerity, consistency, integrity, commitment, and reliability.*   ## How BiblioCommons is Exploring AI We are not rushing into exploring AI. Instead, we are taking an intentional, library-centered approach:  - **WCAG and Inclusive Design First**: Just as we have embedded accessibility across BiblioCore, BiblioWeb, BiblioApps, and other products, we’ll apply the same thoughtful lens to AI. - **Partner Pilots**: This year, we are collaborating with four forward-thinking Partner Libraries (Boston Public Library, Kent District Library, Harris County, and Las Vegas-Clark County Library District) to explore responsible applications of AI. We will share our learnings as these pilots evolve. - **Holistic Integration**: AI will not be sprinkled in randomly. We are focused on consistent, integrated implementation across the BiblioCommons suite so libraries can rely on best practices without patchwork adoption. - **Privacy and Data Stewardship**: Any BiblioCommons AI project will respect patron consent and data boundaries. We will not pursue Big Tech’s “collect first, apologize later” model. ![AI on digital devices integrate across many platforms and uses.](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hs-fs/hubfs/10.png?width=600&height=338&name=10.png) ## *Above: BiblioCommons AI investigations and initiatives are grounded in a library and patron-centric approach, ensuring an accessible and holistic user experience. (Source: Canva)*   Looking Ahead There are real opportunities on the horizon: from AI assisting patrons discover new materials more easily, to automated workflows that save staff time but do not replace them, to new forms of exploration beyond keyword search, and AI chat. These opportunities must be balanced with vigilance around equity, transparency, and control.  Our guiding principle is simple: Libraries do not just adopt technology, they shape it to reflect their mission.  At BiblioCommons, we are committed to exploring AI in that spirit: careful, intentional, and always grounded in what serves libraries, their patrons, and their communities best.   ![A graphic rendering of what the in-app AI chat experience could look like with BiblioCommons. The first message suggests titles that other readers have found funny and displays the cover art and title. ](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BC_AI.png?width=241&height=522&name=BC_AI.png) ## *Above: Ensuring transparency, such as clear page headings and universal icons when patrons engage with AI, is essential to maintaining trust.*   ## Want to Stay Informed? We will continue to share updates as our pilot programs progress. If you'd like to discuss your library’s priorities or concerns around AI, reach out to your Customer Success Manager or click the button below to learn more.  We want your input as we shape the future of online libraries together. [Contact Us](https://www.bibliocommons.com/request-a-demo) --- #### Sign up to receive the latest in public library topics delivered straight to your inbox!                       Share - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Newer Post [From Compliance to Inclusion: Meeting WCAG 2.2 AA in Library Digital Experiences](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/blog/from-compliance-to-inclusion-meeting-wcag-2.2-aa-in-library-digital-experiences) Older Post [What You Missed at BiblioCon ’25](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/blog/what-you-missed-at-bibliocon-25) [![BiblioCommons](https://blog.bibliocommons.com/hubfs/BiblioCon%202023/white-logo.svg)](https://www.bibliocommons.com/) Join the *Love Your Online Library* newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases. 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