Libraries Connected has called for stronger national coordination and investment in community AI literacy initiatives, arguing that public libraries are uniquely placed to help people understand and engage critically with artificial intelligence as it becomes part of everyday life.

The call comes in a letter to Kanishka Narayan MP, the newly reappointed Minister for Artificial Intelligence, whose role has been elevated to Cabinet as part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham's drive to place AI at the centre of government. 

In the letter, Libraries Connected chief executive Isobel Hunter welcomes the Government's ambition to harness AI to drive growth and transform public services, but warns that technological progress alone will not be enough:

“While the UK's success in developing and adopting cutting-edge AI will be critical to economic growth and public service reform, its long-term success will also depend on public confidence. People need practical opportunities to understand how AI shapes their daily lives, how to use it productively and how to recognise potential risks. Public libraries are one of the few national networks able to provide that support at community level.”

Through a network of more than 4,000 libraries, the public library sector already the UK's leading provider of free digital skills support and is increasingly helping people build confidence in using AI tools.

However, Libraries Connected argues that libraries cannot realise their full potential without wider support and investment. Drawing on a recent roundtable on media and AI literacy, the organisation identifies four priorities for Government: stronger national coordination, sustained investment in local delivery, support for people to navigate misinformation and AI-generated content, and continued development of frontline staff skills.

The organisation argues that libraries are particularly well placed to support AI literacy because they offer "trusted, welcoming spaces where people can explore new technologies at their own pace, ask questions without fear of judgement, and develop confidence through practical activities that are directly relevant to their lives.”

The letter also draws a connection between today's AI challenge and libraries' historic role in widening access to technology, starting with the “People’s Network” of public library PCs introduced by the last Labour government at the turn of the millennium. Referencing the Minister's own reflections on using library computers when he first arrived in Wales from India, it notes:

"Just as libraries helped previous generations gain access to the internet, they can help people develop the confidence and skills needed to thrive in an AI-enabled economy." 

Libraries Connected has invited the Minister to meet library leaders to discuss a coordinated national approach to AI literacy and offered to arrange a visit to a library service pioneering work in this area.