Artificial Intelligence and the Public Library: Uses, Challenges, and Needs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has started influencing public libraries and their services to patrons. The current study investigates public librarians’ and staff’s experiences and attitudes about AI and AI governance in the workplace in the United States in late 2025. The qualitative analysis of the 30 semi-structured interviews identified four primary topics related to participants’ experiences and beliefs: AI use cases in public libraries, Policies and Guidelines for AI, Challenges, and Needs. Participants’ attitudes about AI varied, but there was an overwhelming consensus that their actions should be guided by the profession’s values and ethics.