Libraries Confront AI and Censorship at Global Congress in Busan

The World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) opened in Busan, South Korea, drawing over 3,000 library professionals from 115 countries. The conference, held in Korea for the first time in 20 years, grapples with critical issues facing libraries, including the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence and the resurgence of censorship.

During an opening session, a librarian questioned the unchecked data mining by AI companies. Judith Conklin, Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Library of Congress, acknowledged the challenge, stating, "They will exist forever. But we are public libraries, so we want them to use our data anyway. We need to find defenses."

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No. They will exist forever. But we are public libraries, so we want them to use our data anyway. We need to find defenses.

IFLA President, Danish librarian and author, emphasized the need for libraries to be proactive. "In an era where information and knowledge inequality so easily impacts the real world, if we do not act, that is the greatest sin," she stated. "We cannot rely on the stereotype that libraries resist change. We must take risks and find ways to best serve our communities."

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In an era where information and knowledge inequality so easily impacts the real world, if we do not act, that is the greatest sin. We cannot rely on the stereotype that libraries resist change. We must take risks and find ways to best serve our communities.

Discussions at various sessions focused on the "AI crisis." Unlike past search engines that had a symbiotic relationship with libraries, current AI data mining methods pose a threat to library databases. Librarians from the U.S., Germany, Singapore, Qatar, and Norway shared their experiences, collectively calling for "safe coexistence" while admitting a lack of clear solutions.

The congress will continue until August 13th, with plans for national library directors to issue a "Busan Declaration" on the future of libraries. The event also recognized the Mesa Gateway Library in Arizona with the "Public Library of the Year" award.

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It is a very difficult strategic question to protect digital infrastructure while opening up cultural heritage as much as possible. There is no clear solution yet.