Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is increasingly becoming prevalent in libraries and information centres, promising to improve service delivery and efficiency. However, the use of these technologies also poses significant ethical challenges and risks, including bias and discrimination, privacy and security, automation and job displacement, and the lack of human interaction in service delivery. This conceptual paper provides an overview of the key ethical frameworks and principles relevant to the use of AI and ML in libraries and information centres, and analyses how these frameworks can be applied to this specific context. The paper also discusses the potential benefits and risks of these technologies, and provides best practices and strategies for mitigating the ethical risks associated with their use. Finally, the paper highlights the implications of these findings for libraries and information centres, and recommends future research and practice in this area, including on-going evaluation and monitoring of the ethical implications of AI and ML. Overall, this paper underscores the importance of taking a proactive and ethical approach to the use of AI and ML in libraries and information centres to ensure that these technologies are used in a way that aligns with their mission and values, and serves the best interests of their users and society as a whole