How Librarians Can Support AI Policy Development

Many organizations are starting to develop policies on the use of generative AI.

I believe it is important for librarians to be involved in this process due to our expertise in information systems, data management, information ethics, user advocacy, copyright and intellectual property, and information literacy.

How Can Librarians Support AI Policy Development?

Below are concrete ideas for how librarians can engage in the development of policies on the use of generative AI.

1. Leverage our understanding of information systems, ethics, and various fields to inform comprehensive AI policies
2. Conduct literature reviews on existing AI policies in other organizations
3. Analyze best practices and provide recommendations for our organization’s specific needs
4. Facilitate discussions between stakeholders
5. Gather diverse perspectives to ensure policies are inclusive and address various concerns among stakeholders
6. Draw on our experience with information ethics to help craft AI ethics guidelines
7. Address issues like bias, privacy, and academic integrity in policy recommendations
8. Provide expertise on fair use, copyright, and licensing issues related to AI-generated content
9. Help develop policies that protect intellectual property while fostering innovation by researching examples of how other organizations are supporting the use of AI
10. Contribute to policies on data management, privacy, and security for AI systems
11. Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations
12. Develop and lead training to educate the community about new AI policies
13. Create accessible resources explaining policy implications for different user groups
14. Recommend updates as AI technologies and their applications evolve
15. Take an active role in drafting policy documents, leveraging our skills in information organization and communication

By engaging in policy development, librarians can help ensure that generative AI policies are well informed, balanced, and responsive to the needs of the community. Our unique position at the intersection of information, technology, and academia makes us valuable contributors in this process.

Even if your organization is not ready for an AI policy—or already has one—now is a good time to think about a policy that is unique to the library. If your organization has a company-wide policy, consider whether there is anything that needs to be adapted to the unique requirements of the library. If your organization does not have a company-wide AI policy, consider what you need in place for your library.

Examples of AI Policies

If your organization is getting ready to start developing policies, here are some examples for your review:

• O’Melveny
• American Booksellers Association
• Skillsoft
• John’s University
• Lattice
• Mercatus Center at George Mason University

As with any policies, I encourage your organization to work with both Human Resources and legal counsel. It is vital to ensure policies are developed with all appropriate laws and legal requirements in mind.

*Claude.AI was used to brainstorm how librarians can engage in the development of AI policies.