The Double-Edged Sword: Pros and Cons of AI Use by Librarians
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative force across numerous industries, and libraries are no exception. As information professionals grapple with evolving user needs, budget constraints, and technological advancement, AI presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. R
ecent data reveal that over 60 percent of libraries are currently evaluating or planning for the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) (1), underscoring the need to understand both the benefits and risks of AI adoption in library settings.
The Promise of AI in Libraries
Enhanced Efficiency and Automation
One of the most compelling advantages of AI implementation in libraries lies in its potential to streamline back-end operations and automate routine tasks. Research identifies five distinct types of AI use cases for libraries (2), with applications in library back-end processes showing particular promise for operational efficiency. AI systems can automate cataloging processes, manage inventory, and handle routine patron inquiries, freeing librarians to focus on more complex, relationship-based work that requires human expertise and empathy.
The automation capabilities extend to improved information retrieval systems. AI-powered search algorithms can better understand user intent, provide more accurate results, and offer personalized recommendations based on patron history and preferences. This technological enhancement directly addresses one of the library’s core functions: connecting users with relevant information in an efficient and effective manner.
Personalized User Services
AI’s capacity for personalization represents a significant advantage for modern library services. Advanced applications such as personalized recommendations for users or predictive (3) systems can enhance the user experience by tailoring 
services to individual needs and preferences. These systems can analyze patron behavior, borrowing patterns, and search histories to suggest relevant resources, potentially increasing user engagement and satisfaction.
Furthermore, ChatGPT can assist academic librarians by providing quick responses to queries, creating engaging tutorials, and improving accessibility for users with disabilities (4). This capability is particularly valuable in academic settings where librarians often handle repetitive reference questions, allowing AI to provide immediate assistance while human librarians focus on more complex research consultations.
Improved Accessibility and Support
AI technologies offer significant potential for enhancing accessibility in library services. Natural language processing capabilities can provide real-time translation services, voice-to-text conversion, and text-to-speech functionality, making library resources more accessible to diverse populations, including those with disabilities and non-native speakers.
Additionally, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide 24/7 support, extending library services beyond traditional operating hours. This capability is particularly valuable for academic libraries serving students across different time zones or public libraries seeking to maximize community access to information services.
The Challenges and Concerns
Bias and Ethical Considerations
Despite its promise, the implementation of AI in libraries raises serious ethical concerns. Bias and discrimination are significant concerns in AI systems used in the library and information industry (5). These biases can manifest in multiple ways: through skewed training data, algorithmic design choices, and the perpetuation of existing societal inequalities.
The concern extends beyond technical bias to fundamental questions about information equity. The potential bias that may exist within such AI-ML models can also inadvertently lead to unfair and potentially detrimental outcomes (6). In library contexts, this could result in specific communities receiving inferior service recommendations, limited access to resources, or discriminatory treatment in automated systems.
Accuracy and Reliability Issues
A critical concern for libraries, which serve as bastions of reliable information, is AI’s propensity for generating inaccurate or misleading content. How can users be sure the output generated by AI tools is legal, ethical, and accurate? (7) This question is particularly pertinent given the library profession’s commitment to information literacy and factual accuracy.
https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2024/03/01/the-world-of-ai/
The phenomenon of AI “hallucination” – where systems generate plausible-sounding but factually incorrect information – poses a significant risk in library settings. Unlike traditional reference sources that undergo editorial review and fact-checking processes, AI-generated responses may contain errors that are difficult to detect without subject matter expertise.
Privacy and Data Protection
AI systems typically require vast amounts of data to function effectively, raising serious privacy concerns in library contexts. Privacy, data protection, copyright infringement, misinformation, biases, and societal inequalities (8) represent significant ethical challenges associated with generative AI technologies.
Libraries have historically championed patron privacy, often maintaining policies that protect user borrowing records and search histories. AI implementation may conflict with these values if systems require detailed user data to provide personalized services or if patron information is shared with third-party AI providers.
Professional Identity and Job Displacement
The integration of AI in libraries raises questions about the evolving role of librarians and potential job displacement. While AI can handle routine tasks, concerns exist about biases in ChatGPT’s responses and the 
The fear is not just about technological unemployment, but also about the potential devaluation of librarian expertise, particularly in areas such as information literacy instruction, research consultation, and community engagement, which require human judgment, empathy, and cultural competence.
The Implementation Landscape
Current data suggests that AI adoption in libraries is accelerating rapidly. Seven percent of academic libraries are currently implementing AI tools, while nearly half expect to implement them over the next year (9). This rapid adoption timeline indicates that the library profession is moving quickly to integrate AI technologies, perhaps faster than comprehensive ethical frameworks and best practices can be established.
The speed of implementation raises concerns about whether libraries are adequately preparing for the challenges that accompany AI adoption. Successful integration requires not only a robust technical infrastructure but also staff training, clear ethical guidelines, and policies that protect patron privacy while maximizing the benefits of AI capabilities.
Moving Forward Responsibly
The future of AI in libraries will likely depend on the profession’s ability to harness the benefits of the technology while addressing its significant challenges. AI also raises concerns regarding copyright protection, as well as ethical considerations such as bias, fairness, and limited domain expertise (10). Addressing these concerns requires proactive engagement from the library community in developing ethical frameworks, best practices, and accountability mechanisms.
Libraries must also invest in staff development to ensure librarians can effectively work alongside AI systems while maintaining their professional values and expertise. This includes training in AI literacy, ethical considerations, and the skills needed to evaluate and validate AI-generated content.
The integration of AI into library services represents both a tremendous opportunity and a significant responsibility. While AI offers the potential to enhance efficiency, personalization, and accessibility in library services, it also presents serious challenges related to bias, accuracy, privacy, and professional identity. The library profession’s response to these challenges will shape not only the future of libraries but also their continued relevance as trusted institutions in an increasingly digital world.
Success will require careful balance: embracing AI’s capabilities while maintaining the human-
centered values that define excellent library service. As the profession moves forward, ongoing dialogue, research, and ethical reflection will be essential to ensure that AI serves to strengthen rather than diminish libraries’ mission to provide equitable access to information and knowledge for all.
Sources
- Library Journal. “Majority of Libraries Planning for AI Integration.” September 11, 2024. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/majority-of-libraries-planning-for-ai-integration
- Cox, Andrew M., and Suvodeep Mazumdar. “Defining artificial intelligence for librarians.” 2024. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09610006221142029
- Library Journal. “AI’s Role in the Future of Library Services.” May 2, 2025. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/ais-role-in-the-future-of-library-services-250501
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries. “Libraries and AI – Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI for Media & Journalism.” https://guides.lib.unc.edu/generativeAI/ai-libraries
- ResearchGate. “Ethical artificial intelligence (AI): confronting bias and discrimination in the library and information industry.” October 24, 2023. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374944559_Ethical_artificial_intelligence_AI_confronting_bias_and_discrimination_in_the_library_and_information_industry
- ScienceDirect. “Ethical and Bias Considerations in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning.” December 16, 2024. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0893395224002667
- American Libraries Magazine. “The World of AI.” June 3, 2024. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2024/03/01/the-world-of-ai/
- MDPI. “Ethical Challenges and Solutions of Generative AI: An Interdisciplinary Perspective.” August 9, 2024. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9709/11/3/58
- Inside Higher Ed. “AI adoption is a top concern for librarians in the next year.” https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/09/10/ai-adoption-top-concern-librarians-next-year
- EBSCOPost. “AI in Libraries | Guiding Principles for Ethical Use of AI.” March 12, 2024. https://www.ebsco.com/blogs/ebscopost/ebsco-information-services-defines-guiding-principles-responsible-use-artificial