We are pleased to announce the publication of a new good practice guide giving library workers practical tools to help their communities build confidence with AI and navigate an increasingly complex online world.

Public libraries are already one of the UK’s biggest providers of free internet access and digital skills support. But rapid digital change – including the rise of AI and online misinformation – means established approaches to digital inclusion need to adapt and evolve.

Developed through the Innovating in Trusted Spaces project, the guide brings together learning from pilots in four library services – Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (Inspire), Newcastle and Northumberland – working with communities most at risk of digital exclusion.

The project was delivered by us, Good Things Foundation and WSA Community, with funding from the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund.

The guide sets out four proven ways - identified through a learning and evaluation approach - that libraries can engage people with AI and digital media literacy:

• Exhibitions and pop‑ups that invite people to explore AI at their own pace
• Bookable introductory sessions for beginners
• Tailored workshops for community groups, and
• Informal one-to-one support for those who need personalised help.

It also includes guidance on easing common barriers, such as anxiety about new technologies and limited staff capacity, along with a practical checklist to help services plan activities that meet local needs.

The launch comes shortly after the Government’s A Safe, Informed Digital Nation plan highlighted public libraries as trusted spaces where people can build the skills to use new technologies safely and critically. The plan recognises libraries as key partners in helping communities access reliable information.

A key legacy of Innovating in Trusted Spaces is a new community of practice that allows library staff to share learning and build confidence as technology evolves. The guide will sit alongside this ongoing support, helping library services develop and strengthen their digital inclusion programmes.

Libraries Connected is also publishing a Test and Learn guide showing how library teams can build skills and confidence through small scale experimentation in real settings. Drawing on learning from Innovating in Trusted Spaces, it offers practical steps, case studies and evidence of how this approach improves staff confidence with AI and digital media literacy.

Isobel Hunter MBE, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, said:

“This new guide, developed by frontline library staff and users, contains practical tools that make AI and digital media literacy feel approachable and relevant to everyday life. It shows how services can support people who may feel anxious about new digital tools and ensure that no one is excluded in this period of rapid technological change. Libraries are known for providing trusted, accessible digital support – this guide will help them to adapt that support for the AI age.”

Mary Booth, Digital Services Manager at Good Things Foundation, said:

“As the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, we know that libraries are essential trusted spaces for helping people engage with the digital world.  This guide is a critical resource, providing our community partners with practical tools to demystify AI and develop digital media literacy. It helps ensure that as the online environment evolves, we support those most at risk of exclusion to build the confidence and skills needed to participate and benefit from it." 

Wendy Sugarman, Director, WSA Community, said:

“We are delighted to have supported libraries to test and learn from new ways to bridge the digital divide and introduce people to AI and digital media literacy. The guide brings together their learning and insights and puts forward four tried and tested models that other libraries can adapt to their local area and communities.”