As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly common route to information, librarians are examining how they can continue to support users with trusted, ethical and practical guidance.
That question was at the heart of today’s AI-focused event at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh, Between users and collections: Librarians as trusted links in the face of AI. SLIC’s Head of Programme, Lindsey Henderson, attended the event, which drew on research by UKRI Policy Intern Elena Trowsdale into enquiries and AI, carried out in collaboration with CILIPS Vice-President Dr Jill Dye and Sarah Ames.
The discussion also highlighted how public libraries are already helping communities navigate the fast-changing digital landscape. Dave Young, Children’s Assistant (Digital) for South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture library services, joined the panel to discuss DigiAye, an innovative project funded through the Public Library Improvement Fund.
DigiAye focuses on developing a library-led digital literacy and wellbeing resource to help people of all ages better understand artificial intelligence, social media, misinformation and healthy digital habits.
Across the event, speakers explored the changing role of enquiry librarians as more users turn to generative AI to find and interpret information. Discussions covered both the theory and practice of using AI and automated processes in enquiry work, while stressing that trust must remain central. For services such as Ask a Librarian, this means considering ethics, sustainability, data protection and practical implementation before AI is embedded into everyday practice. Speakers included Professor Paul Gooding from the University of Glasgow and William Nixon from Research Libraries UK.
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