The American Library Association (ALA) Council has formally adopted Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Libraries, a resource intended to help libraries develop and revise policies for the ethical and human‑centered use of AI.
The guidance was developed by ALA’s 30‑member Artificial Intelligence Policy Working Group, formed at the 2025 Annual Conference in Philadelphia. The group examined practical, philosophical, ethical, and operational implications of AI for libraries and library staff.
ALA President Dr. Maria McCauley noted that the guidance reflects both innovation and the values of librarianship, providing libraries with a practical starting point for approaching AI responsibly and ethically.
The document is designed as a living resource that will be updated as technology, law, professional practice, and community needs evolve. The resolution directs the Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) to oversee the guidance, monitor developments in AI, and propose revisions to Council when needed.
The adopted guidance affirms ALA’s role in supporting libraries of all types as they navigate emerging technologies while maintaining a human‑centered approach to service. It provides a values‑based framework for creating, revising, and explaining local AI policies as technology, vendor practices, and community needs change.
To support implementation, ALA will offer virtual training sessions to help library workers interpret the guidance and consider its implications. ALA also provides a growing catalog of publications on AI evaluation, impact, and implementation, available through the ALA store and website.
Click here to read the original press release.
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