The Westport Library Association (the “Library”) recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) is an evolving technology that can support learning, creativity, access to information, Library services and Library operations. This policy establishes principles for the responsible use of AI by the Library and for AI technologies made available to patrons, consistent with the Association’s mission, vision, values and commitment to privacy and intellectual freedom.
The Library may use or make available AI technologies where they support the Association's mission, services, programs, or operations. AI will be used with appropriate human oversight, responsibly and in a manner consistent with Library policies and applicable law.
Patrons may have access to AI technologies through Library resources, equipment, programs, or third-party services as are available. Patron use of AI is subject to applicable Library policies and the terms governing those resources.
Consistent with its commitment to intellectual freedom, the Library supports patrons’ use of AI technologies for lawful purposes. AI-generated information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or biased, and patrons are responsible for evaluating it and for following applicable law, including copyright, and the terms of any third-party service.
Parents and guardians are responsible for their children’s use of AI technologies.
The Library may provide programs, resources and educational opportunities to help patrons understand the opportunities and limitations of AI and critically evaluate AI-generated information.
Library staff utilizing AI technologies are required to use these tools responsibly and ethically and to adhere to administrative procedures and guidelines established pursuant to this policy. Use of AI shall align with the Association's mission, vision and values and upholds standards of privacy, confidentiality and security.
The Library will endeavor to protect patron and staff privacy and confidentiality when selecting and using AI technologies. The Library will handle personal, confidential and sensitive information in accordance with its Privacy Policy, then in effect, other applicable Library policies and applicable law. The Library will evaluate AI technologies and services with appropriate consideration for privacy, confidentiality, security, and the use and retention of patron information, consistent with applicable Library policies and law.
Patrons using third-party AI services made available through Library resources should be aware that such services may collect or retain information they provide and should consider the privacy practices of those services before providing personal or sensitive information. The Library neither guarantees nor endorses the accuracy of AI-generated information available through third-party services.
AI is an assistive technology, not a replacement for human judgment and accountability. AI generated information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or biased. The Library staff remain responsible for work performed on behalf of the Library and will exercise appropriate human oversight when AI-generated content is used in official Library communications or services.
The Library will provide appropriate transparency regarding material uses of AI in public-facing Library content or services, consistent with administrative guidelines established by the Executive Director or designee. The Library will not rely solely on AI to make decisions about patrons, employees, or applicants for employment, and will provide notice of its use of AI in such decisions as required by law.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technologies that use computational methods to generate, analyze, classify, recommend, predict, or assist with content, information, or decisions, including generative artificial intelligence.
The Executive Director or designee is responsible for implementing this policy and is authorized to establish, maintain, and revise administrative procedures and guidelines governing the selection and use of AI technologies by Library staff and in Library operations, and may restrict or prohibit AI technologies that present unacceptable privacy, security, legal, or operational risks or are misaligned with the Association’s mission, vision, or values.
The policy should be read in conjunction with:
This policy shall be reviewed periodically by the Governance and Nominations Committee and revised as necessary. Any substantive amendment to this policy requires approval by the Library’s Board of Trustees.
| Date | Action | Approved By |
| October 21, 2026 | Adopted | The Westport Library Board of Trustees |
Current Policy Approved by Board of Trustees: [October 21, 2026]
