Abstract
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in libraries is becoming increasingly widespread, bringing with it not only enhanced service effectiveness but also various ethical challenges. This study constructs a framework for responsible AI ethical practice in libraries based on the AI ethics guidelines of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), contextualized within China's national conditions. The paper first deconstructs the 14 key issues in IFLA's ethical framework, categorizing them into three dimensions: technical risks, social risks, and governance risks, and analyzes the application limitations formed within the Western context. It then explores the policy adaptability of AI ethics governance for Chinese libraries, particularly examining the alignment between the "Interim Measures for the Management of Generative AI Services" and IFLA guidelines, while identifying existing pain points such as uneven regional development. Building upon this analysis, the paper proposes a localized three-tier governance system comprising a national-level "AI Ethics White Paper", provincial alliance ethics review committees, and individual library "ethical checklists". Additionally, it designs dynamic assessment tools that integrate quantitative metrics (algorithmic bias detection indicators) with qualitative analysis (user committee complaint analysis). Finally, through a case study of the ethical practice of AI reference consultation at Shenzhen Library, the practical feasibility of the proposed framework is validated, advocating for "preventive ethics" and the collaborative construction of an industry-wide shared repository of AI ethics cases. This study aims to provide theoretical guidance and practical pathways for responsible AI ethical practice within the Chinese library community, promoting the healthy and sustainable development of AI technology in the library sector.
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence, Libraries, Ethics Governance, IFLA, Chinese Practice, Responsible AI
Date of this Version
11-2025
Recommended Citation
Xu Shan and Chengyu Zhang,
"Ethical Governance Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Library Contexts——A Comparative Analysis of IFLA Guidelines and Chinese Implementation."
Proceedings of the IATUL Conferences.
Paper 1.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/iatul/2025/breakout/1
Included in
Ethical Governance Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Library Contexts——A Comparative Analysis of IFLA Guidelines and Chinese Implementation
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in libraries is becoming increasingly widespread, bringing with it not only enhanced service effectiveness but also various ethical challenges. This study constructs a framework for responsible AI ethical practice in libraries based on the AI ethics guidelines of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), contextualized within China's national conditions. The paper first deconstructs the 14 key issues in IFLA's ethical framework, categorizing them into three dimensions: technical risks, social risks, and governance risks, and analyzes the application limitations formed within the Western context. It then explores the policy adaptability of AI ethics governance for Chinese libraries, particularly examining the alignment between the "Interim Measures for the Management of Generative AI Services" and IFLA guidelines, while identifying existing pain points such as uneven regional development. Building upon this analysis, the paper proposes a localized three-tier governance system comprising a national-level "AI Ethics White Paper", provincial alliance ethics review committees, and individual library "ethical checklists". Additionally, it designs dynamic assessment tools that integrate quantitative metrics (algorithmic bias detection indicators) with qualitative analysis (user committee complaint analysis). Finally, through a case study of the ethical practice of AI reference consultation at Shenzhen Library, the practical feasibility of the proposed framework is validated, advocating for "preventive ethics" and the collaborative construction of an industry-wide shared repository of AI ethics cases. This study aims to provide theoretical guidance and practical pathways for responsible AI ethical practice within the Chinese library community, promoting the healthy and sustainable development of AI technology in the library sector.