Understanding Librarian Hesitancy Toward AI Implementation

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Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into library services significantly shifts how information professionals approach their work. While AI offers numerous potential benefits, many librarians hesitate to implement these technologies in their institutions. This hesitancy stems from legitimate concerns about ethics, privacy, accessibility, and the fundamental role of libraries in society.

Professional Values and AI Tensions

Librarians’ reluctance toward AI adoption often reflects their commitment to core professional values. A 2023 American Library Association (ALA) survey found that 68% of librarians expressed concerns about AI technologies potentially conflicting with their professional ethics, particularly regarding user privacy and information equity [1]. Librarians have traditionally served as guardians of patron privacy and intellectual freedom, values that may seem at odds with AI systems that collect and analyze user data.

The tension between technological innovation and professional values is not new to librarianship. A library technology adoption analysis noted, “Librarians have historically approached new technologies with thoughtful caution, weighing benefits against potential harms to user privacy and autonomy” [2]. This cautious approach reflects a commitment to responsible stewardship rather than opposition to innovation.

Practical Implementation Challenges

Beyond philosophical concerns, librarians face practical challenges in AI implementation. Budget constraints represent a significant barrier, with 73% of public libraries reporting insufficient funding for technology investments in a 2022 Public Library Technology Survey [3]. Small and rural libraries face particularly acute challenges, with limited resources to acquire, maintain, and adequately staff AI systems.

Staff training and expertise gaps also contribute to hesitancy. A study published in ASIS&T reviewed how librarians felt about their training to implement and manage AI technologies [4] effectively. Without proper knowledge and skills, many librarians worry about introducing systems they cannot fully support or explain to patrons.

Ethical and Bias Concerns

Concerns about algorithmic bias and fairness feature prominently in librarians’ hesitancy toward AI. Research by Martinez and colleagues demonstrated that many AI systems reflect and amplify existing societal biases, potentially undermining libraries’ commitment to equitable service [5]. Librarians’ awareness of these issues makes them cautious about implementing technologies that might inadvertently discriminate against certain user groups.

Privacy concerns also play a central role in librarian hesitancy. A study found that most librarians worried about how AI systems collect, store, and use patron data [6]. These concerns align with librarians’ long-standing commitment to protecting user privacy and confidentiality.

The Path Forward

Despite these valid concerns, many library professionals recognize the potential benefits of AI when implemented thoughtfully and ethically. The “Evolving AI Strategies in Libraries: Insights from Two Polls of ARL Member Representatives over Nine Months” suggests that creating clear ethical guidelines and governance structures can help address many librarians’ concerns [7]. Collaborative approaches that involve librarians in AI development and implementation decisions also help bridge the gap between technological innovation and professional values.

Professional development opportunities explicitly focused on AI literacy for librarians can help address knowledge gaps and build confidence. The Library Journal article “Navigating Technology Change: Librarian Leaders Share Their Best Practices” found that libraries that invested in staff training reported higher satisfaction with technology implementation [8].

 

Librarian hesitancy toward AI implementation reflects thoughtful consideration of professional values, practical challenges, and ethical concerns rather than simple technophobia. Gupta observes, “The successful implementation of AI experimentation in libraries requires that librarians understand how to handle sensitive data, use synthetic data, and assess the risks of sharing information with commercial AI providers. Libraries can ensure responsible and effective AI usage by providing targeted training, practical tools, and promoting collaboration.” [9].

By acknowledging and addressing these legitimate concerns, library leaders can develop AI implementation strategies that respect professional ethics while leveraging the potential benefits of these technologies. The future of AI in libraries depends on finding this balance between innovation and the core values that have guided librarianship for generations.

 

Sources

  1. Goek, S. S., Clark, L., Jones, K., Public Library Association, Members of the Measurement, Evaluation, and Assessment Committee, PLA, Drill, K., & Sheets De Gracia, K. (2024). 2023 Public Library Technology Survey: Summary Report. Public Library Association. https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/PLA_Tech_Survey_Report_2024.pdf

  2. Tanzi, N. (2025, January 21). Library Tech Trends for 2025. The Digital Librarian. https://the-digital-librarian.com/2025/01/21/library-tech-trends-for-2025/

  3. Public Library Association, Goek, S. S., Jones, K., Clark, L., Members of the Measurement, Evaluation, and Assessment Committee, PLA, Drill, K., & Price, J. (2023). Public Library Services for Strong Communities report. In Public Library Services for Strong Communities Report. Public Library Association. https://www.ala.org/pla/sites/ala.org.pla/files/content/data/PLA_Services_Survey_Report_2023.pdf

  4. Deshen, M. and Noa, A. (2024), Librarians’ AI Literacy. Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 61: 883-885. https://doi.org/10.1002/pra2.1128

  5. Saeidnia, H.R. (2023), “Ethical artificial intelligence (AI): confronting bias and discrimination in the library and information industry,” Library Hi Tech News, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-10-2023-0182

  6. Zhang, Y., Wu, M., Tian, G. Y., Zhang, G., & Lu, J. (2021). Ethics and privacy of artificial intelligence: Understandings from bibliometrics. Knowledge-Based Systems, 222, 106994. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.knosys.2021.106994

  7. Lo, L. S., & Vitale, C. H. (2024). Evolving AI Strategies in Libraries: Insights from Two Polls of ARL Member Representatives over Nine Months. https://doi.org/10.29242/report.aipolls2023

  8. Clarivate, E. L. P. O. (n.d.). Navigating technology change: librarian leaders share their best practices. Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/navigating-technology-change-librarian-leaders-share-their-best-practice-lj241001
  9. Gupta, V. (2024). AI Experimentation Policy for Libraries: Balancing Innovation and Data Privacy. Public Library Quarterly, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2024.2445356