Generative AI in Libraries: Opportunities, Use Cases & Limitations

 

By Niranjan Mohapatra, World Skill Center
Series: AI Transformation in Libraries (Part 6 of 10)

Introduction

Generative AI (GenAI) — represented by tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, LLaMA, and open-source LLMs — is reshaping how information is discovered, created, and shared. Unlike traditional AI that analyzes existing data, Generative AI creates new content: text, summaries, translations, images, code, and more.

For libraries, GenAI represents both a huge opportunity and a critical responsibility. Libraries must leverage its benefits while ensuring ethical, transparent, and safe use.

 

1. What Is Generative AI?

Generative AI refers to models trained on massive datasets capable of generating:

• Text
• Images
• Audio
• Videos
• Code
• 3D objects

It operates using:

• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Diffusion models
• Multimodal frameworks

GenAI tools can understand instructions, follow context, and produce human-like responses—making them ideal partners for library services.

 

2. Opportunities of Generative AI for Libraries

2.1 Enhanced Reference & Information Services

GenAI can:

• Answer complex questions
• Summarize texts
• Explain concepts
• Provide multilingual support
• Assist with citations

It extends the reach of reference services beyond traditional working hours.

 

2.2 Content Creation & Communication

GenAI enables librarians to create:

• Brochures, posters, newsletters
• Website content
• User guides & tutorials
• Social media posts
• Training materials

This reduces production time while improving quality.

 

2.3 Streamlined Technical Services

GenAI helps with:

• Metadata generation
• Subject indexing
• Title suggestions
• MARC record drafting
• Summarizing long documents

It enhances efficiency in cataloguing & metadata workflows.

 

2.4 Research Support & Scholarly Communication

GenAI assists users with:

• Literature reviews
• Summaries and synthesis
• Research question formulation
• Grammar, editing, rewriting
• Creating tables, charts, and visualizations

This accelerates research productivity.

 

2.5 Personalized Learning & Academic Assistance

GenAI can act as a:

• Study assistant
• Writing mentor
• Concept explainer
• Learning pathway generator

Libraries can integrate GenAI into information literacy programmes.

 

3. Real Use Cases in Libraries

✔ AI-assisted Ask-a-Librarian

Chatbots powered by LLMs answer FAQs and guide users.

✔ GenAI-based Repository Assistants

Helps authors prepare metadata, abstracts, and keywords for submissions.

✔ Automated Cataloguing Helpers

Draft or refine MARC fields and subject headings.

✔ Digital Exhibit Creation

GenAI creates timelines, descriptions, image captions, and explanatory text.

✔ Accessibility Tools

Speech-to-text, text-to-speech, image description generators.

 

4. Limitations and Risks of Generative AI

4.1 Hallucinations

GenAI may generate:

• Incorrect facts
• Fake citations
• Overconfident answers

Human verification is essential.

 

4.2 Copyright & Licensing Risks

GenAI outputs may:

• Use copyrighted training data
• Reproduce protected content
• Raise attribution issues

Libraries must educate users on legal use.

 

4.3 Privacy Concerns

User data must not be uploaded into:

• Public LLMs
• Third-party models
• Platforms with unclear data retention

Libraries must develop safe usage policies.

 

4.4 Ethical Bias

GenAI models may reflect:

• Cultural bias
• Gender bias
• Linguistic bias

This impacts fairness and inclusivity.

 

4.5 Over-Reliance on AI

Users may depend too heavily on GenAI for:

• Writing
• Research
• Critical thinking

Libraries must promote AI literacy and responsible use.

 

5. Best Practices for Libraries Using GenAI

✔ Human-in-the-loop validation

AI assists; librarians verify.

✔ Transparency in AI use

Users must know when AI is involved.

✔ Privacy-first approach

No personal or sensitive data sent to external AI models.

✔ Promote ethical & critical AI literacy

Help patrons understand strengths and limits.

✔ Develop institutional guidelines

Clear policies on citation, usage, and acceptable practices.

 

Conclusion

Generative AI presents a transformative opportunity to reinvent library services—from reference, cataloguing, and research support to digital literacy and personalized learning. However, its power must be used responsibly, with clear ethical, privacy, and accuracy safeguards.

Libraries have the unique role of becoming AI literacy leaders, ensuring communities use GenAI meaningfully and safely.