Insights from the LibrarIn open-access book
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant or experimental concept for public institutions. It is actively reshaping how knowledge is organised, accessed and shared, and libraries, as foundational cultural and democratic institutions, are at the heart of this transformation.
The newly published open-access book “AI Innovations in Public Services: The Case of National Libraries” brings together research, policy insights and real-world case studies developed within the LibrarIN Horizon Europe project. The book offers a timely and much-needed perspective on how libraries can adopt AI responsibly, inclusively and in ways that genuinely create public value.
Libraries at a crossroads: technology, trust and public value
As highlighted in the Foreword by Anna Triantafillou (of Athens Technology Center and the project’s Coordinator) and Francesco Mureddu (The Lisbon Council), AI should not be seen merely as a technical upgrade. In the library context, it is a catalyst for organisational, cultural and governance change.
Libraries are no longer just repositories of books and archives. They are evolving into dynamic knowledge hubs, supporting:
- democratic access to information
- digital inclusion and media literacy
- cultural heritage preservation
- community engagement and participation.
AI technologies, from automated metadata creation and intelligent search to recommendation systems and virtual assistants, already help libraries improve efficiency and user experience. Yet the book makes one thing clear: technology alone is not enough.
Human-centred AI: a core principle, not an afterthought
A recurring message throughout the book is the importance of human-centred AI implementation. LibrarIN research shows that successful AI adoption in libraries depends on:
- transparency and accountability
- careful management of bias and data quality
- respect for privacy and ethical standards
- continuous involvement of librarians, users and communities.
Rather than replacing professional expertise, AI should augment the role of librarians, freeing them from repetitive tasks and allowing them to focus on higher-value services, curation and community interaction.
This approach aligns closely with the emerging EU AI Act, positioning libraries as frontrunners in the responsible use of AI within public services.
From research to practice: 12 real-world case studies
One of the book’s strongest contributions is its collection of 12 in-depth case studies from National Libraries across Europe and beyond, including the British Library and the Library of Congress.
These cases demonstrate how AI is being applied in practice to:
- unlock vast cultural and historical collections
- improve discoverability of digital content
- enhance accessibility for diverse audiences
- co-create services with stakeholders.
Crucially, the cases show that co-creation and interdisciplinary collaboration are not optional extras, but essential conditions for sustainable innovation.
Bridging the “innovation paradox” in public services
The LibrarIN book directly addresses a long-standing European challenge: the gap between excellent research and limited policy or operational impact.
By combining:
- empirical research
- practitioner insights
- policy recommendations
- and a dedicated LibrarIN Toolkit for policymakers and library innovators
the project aims to turn evidence into actionable change. Libraries are positioned not only as beneficiaries of innovation, but as active drivers of social innovation, democratic participation and community resilience.
Why this book matters now
At a time when public trust, information integrity and digital inclusion are under pressure, libraries play a critical societal role. This publication shows that the future of libraries will not be defined by AI alone but by how responsibly, inclusively and collaboratively AI is used.
The LibrarIN book is a valuable resource for:
- library leaders and professionals
- policymakers and public sector innovators
- researchers and practitioners working on AI, culture and public services
Above all, it offers a hopeful and pragmatic vision: libraries as human-centred, AI-enabled pillars of democracy and public value.