The Association of Research Libraries and the Coalition for Networked Information have released a report examining the strategic implications of AI for research libraries, outlining a set of near-term priorities for library leaders as AI becomes more deeply embedded in research and information environments. The report, developed through the Futurescape Libraries initiative, is intended to help institutions assess how advances in AI may affect library roles, responsibilities, and long-term direction. ARL has already positioned the broader AI futures work as a scenario-planning effort for the research environment.
According to the report, four priorities emerged with particular urgency: workforce investment, use of unique library collections, stronger governance and ethics frameworks, and deeper partnerships across campuses and within the wider library community. The report argues that AI literacy, flexible job design, and structured opportunities for experimentation should be treated as immediate needs rather than deferred until the technology landscape becomes more stable.
The report also points to research libraries’ special collections, digitized archives, and curated corpora as assets that commercial AI systems cannot easily replicate. It says those resources could support local model development, metadata innovation, and other institution-specific approaches that distinguish libraries within the emerging AI landscape.
Another major concern raised in the report is the shift from AI as a tool used by researchers to AI as an agent acting on their behalf. According to ARL and CNI, the transition makes governance, authorization, and quality control operational requirements rather than future planning issues. The updated report reflects developments since the December 2024 workshop, including new signals, changing institutional practice, and revised strategies for a rapidly changing environment.
The organizations stated research libraries that treat governance, workforce development, and collection strategy as linked priorities will be better positioned to shape their institutional role through 2035 and respond to a narrowing window for proactive action.
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