NSLA is an incorporated association and a not-for-profit, collaborative alliance with a mandate to support and provide impact for Australia's and Aotearoa New Zealand's national, state and territory libraries.

This document relates only to NSLA Inc.'s use of AI in its work, and does not apply to our member libraries, which hold and manage library collections that include culturally sensitive materials for which the application of AI technologies requires additional and specific consideration. Our member libraries each maintain their own AI policies and principles that address these responsibilities within their collections and services.

Our commitment

We are committed to the responsible and transparent deployment of AI as a tool for extending our reach and delivering value for our members and impact for their communities. We are committed to ensuring that NSLA staff develop the skills, confidence and critical judgement needed to work effectively in an AI-enabled world. This includes developing understanding of both the opportunities and the limitations of AI tools, reflecting our broader commitment to a capable, future-ready library sector workforce.

How we use AI

We use AI transparently as a tool that supports efficiency and quality in our work. Examples of our use cases include (but are not limited to):

• Workplace productivity (for example, automating routine tasks and reducing repetitive work practices, drafting and editing written content, summarising documents, preparing briefs and communications);
• Data and analytics (e.g., high-level analysis of sector data and statistics to identify trends, and supporting evidence-based reporting);
• Research and intelligence (e.g., synthesising sector research, scanning policy developments, and preparing background materials); and
• Digital and other communications (e.g., supporting the creation of web content, newsletters, digital resources).

NSLA staff remain responsible for outputs produced with the assistance of AI, and are accountable for evaluating the quality and accuracy of AI-generated outputs. These uses will evolve as both the tools and our needs develop. At all times, consideration will be given to when to preference this technology over other resources. Where AI tools have contributed to the creation of NSLA outputs, we credit and declare their use.

Examples of cases where the use of AI is not appropriate include (but are not limited to):

• Decision making (all strategic, governance or operational recommendations and decisions are made by people, even where supported by AI-informed data or analysis);
• Individual communications (all direct communications from NSLA are authored and sent by people and AI does not interact with individuals on our behalf);
• Handling of personal information (for example including in recruitment, employment or performance matters).

Our Board will review this guidance at least annually to ensure it remains fit for purpose in an evolving landscape.