As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes the public sector, libraries stand at the forefront of Europe’s digital transformation. The fifth LibrarIN Policy Brief, Libraries in the Age of AI: Safeguarding Cultural Heritage and Trust, examines how libraries can adopt AI responsibly, enhancing access and efficiency while protecting ethics, inclusivity, and public trust.
Authored by Ines Mergel and Carsten Schmidt (University of Konstanz), Marieke Willems, Marta Anducas, and Elena Silvestrini (The Lisbon Council), the brief draws on extensive case studies and interviews with national libraries and AI experts across Europe.
Libraries and Digital Democracy
Libraries have long been trusted public institutions. Now, as AI permeates daily life, they are uniquely positioned to act as mediators between technology and society. From automated cataloguing to multilingual access, AI offers new possibilities; but without recognition in national AI strategies, libraries risk being left behind in Europe’s digital agenda.
Opportunities and Challenges
AI enhances discoverability, efficiency, and user experience, but also raises issues of bias, transparency, and governance. The brief highlights four main challenges:
- Ethical and legal risks around copyright, data use, and bias
- Skills gaps and staff resistance to technological change
- Dependence on external vendors and limited infrastructure
- Insufficient funding for long-term innovation
Despite these hurdles, national libraries show growing leadership in applying AI for cultural preservation and public engagement.
Evidence from the Field
Findings from 60 expert interviews identify seven key drivers for AI use in libraries: improving access, efficiency, research innovation, policy compliance, linguistic diversity, user experience, and digital literacy. Yet, most European AI policies still overlook libraries’ contribution. Among 17 EU countries tracked by LibrarIN, only Denmark and Slovenia include them in national AI frameworks.
A Roadmap for Responsible AI
To close this gap, the brief outlines three priority actions:
- Integrate libraries into AI and digital strategies.
- Build capacity through tailored AI literacy and staff training.
- Ensure ethical implementation via transparent, inclusive AI governance.
The Way Forward
AI can make libraries more dynamic and inclusive—but only if grounded in ethics and trust.
“If libraries remain invisible in AI strategies, Europe risks missing a unique chance to use trusted public institutions as drivers of equitable and democratic digital transformation.”