Full Report: The Human Value of Public Libraries in the Age of AI

What library staff across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland told us about the role they play as AI impacts the public consciousness, changing the way people connect and find information.

June 2026

Summary

The speed and reach of AI development is causing society to experience a cultural shift. It’s changing how people search for information, get answers and make decisions. As AI tools become part of daily life, it’s causing public libraries to reflect on how their role might be impacted.

To find out more, we asked library staff directly. Over a 6-week period, we collected nearly 80 responses from staff at a series of public library conferences across the UK and Ireland. Respondents ranged in role from library assistants to heads of service.

We asked a single open question:

In an age of AI, what is the human value of using a public library?

The answers varied, revealing opinions based on professional frontline experience and positions of leadership. Some were short and direct, others longer and more detailed. Read together, they show a sector that is confident in its role and clear about what it offers that AI cannot. It also signals how libraries can help us respond to the opportunities and changes AI brings.

Some key findings:

46% of respondents pointed first to human connection and contact, naming it as the thing AI cannot replace
24% described the library as a source of trust, in contrast to the uncertainty people now feel when using information outside the library
18% highlighted the professional expertise and judgement library staff bring, helping people find the right answers and information
11% raised misinformation, generated by AI and presented as facts, as a primary concern

These findings, and other noteworthy themes and responses, are explored in the full report.