by Sarah DeMaranville
Geneseo Current
The Geneseo Public Library District has adopted a new artificial intelligence policy establishing guidelines for how library employees may use AI technology while addressing patron privacy, accuracy, transparency and human oversight.
The policy, accepted and implemented Oct. 12, 2026, allows employees to use approved artificial intelligence tools for certain work-related tasks but places restrictions on the information that may be shared and the decisions that may be made using the technology.
Under the policy, library staff may use AI tools approved by the library director for drafting, editing, publicity, grant writing, program planning and accessibility support.
However, employees remain responsible for reviewing AI-generated content before it is published or submitted. Staff must verify factual accuracy and evaluate materials for bias, accessibility and suitability.
The policy also specifies that artificial intelligence cannot replace professional judgment or make final decisions involving personnel, library collections or patron access.
Protecting confidential information is another central component of the policy. Employees are prohibited from entering patron information, borrowing histories, personnel records, passwords or other confidential information into general-purpose AI tools.
Additionally, the policy states that no library business records may be used with AI.
Before employees can use an AI tool, the library director must approve both the technology and its permitted applications. That approval process includes reviewing privacy protections, security measures and vendor data practices.
The policy also addresses transparency when AI-generated content is used in library communications.
Routine AI-assisted writing and clearly illustrative graphics do not require disclosure. However, realistic AI-generated images or substantially altered images must be identified when they could be mistaken for photographs or representations of actual people, places or events.
AI assistance with grant applications also does not require disclosure unless the funding organization requires it. Employees must follow the funding organization's rules and verify application content before submission.
The policy prohibits using AI for discrimination, harassment, impersonation, fabrication or covert surveillance. Employees must also respect copyright protections and obtain necessary permissions.
Library patrons are permitted to use artificial intelligence under the district's existing computer-use and conduct policies, subject to individual AI providers' age requirements. The district does not guarantee the accuracy or privacy protections of third-party AI services.
The policy assigns responsibility for implementation and staff guidance to the library director, who must also review the policy annually. Any revisions require Library Board approval.
The new policy establishes a framework for incorporating artificial intelligence into library operations while maintaining staff accountability, protecting confidential information and requiring human review of AI-assisted work.