South African Librarians Champion Ethical AI Integration in Education and Public Services

Johannesburg's Noordgesig Library recently hosted an event for South African Librarians’ Day, dedicating its program to exploring the transformative role of artificial intelligence in libraries, education, and access to information. This gathering forms a critical part of a wider, ongoing discussion within South Africa's library sector regarding the profession's strategic response to the rapid advancements in AI.

The event, a collaboration between the City of Johannesburg’s Libraries and Information Services Directorate, the University of Johannesburg, the University of South Africa, and Rosebank International, brought together diverse stakeholders. Discussions centered on crucial themes such as ethical AI, information literacy, and the promotion of lifelong learning, with specific sessions addressing librarians' roles as champions of ethical AI and the responsible use of AI in academic writing and public libraries.

A central tenet throughout the day was the imperative for ethical and responsible AI deployment within library and academic settings, emphasizing the delicate balance between technological innovation and the indispensable value of human expertise. Rhulani Ngonyama, a City of Johannesburg librarian, underscored the importance of inclusive AI practices, advocating for AI tools that augment, rather than replace, the work of librarians, thereby helping to bridge the persistent digital divide.

Councillor Thapelo Amad, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, reinforced the City’s commitment to preparing librarians for a digitally driven future, viewing them as pivotal to informed and connected communities. This local initiative is consistent with broader national engagement, including a 2025 symposium at the University of KwaZulu-Natal that featured "Thola," a locally developed robot librarian, showcasing South Africa’s proactive approach to integrating AI ethically into its information services.