In recent years, the advent of generative AI has sparked both excitement and concern in various sectors, particularly in publishing. Local libraries, custodians of community knowledge and culture, have been at the forefront of this debate. As they strive to maintain high standards in their collections, librarians are adopting innovative strategies to filter out what some refer to as “AI slop”—books that are poorly written or riddled with inaccuracies due to being generated by artificial intelligence. This article outlines how local librarians navigate the complexities of this new landscape, the challenges they face, and their criteria for evaluating AI-generated works.
The Rise of AI-Generated Content
Generative AI technology, such as natural language processing models, has made it easier than ever to produce written content. From nonfiction to children’s picture books, these tools have democratized the publishing process, enabling individuals and small organizations to create books quickly. However, they often create works that are lacking in coherence, depth, and quality. For instance, discrepancies in factual information in reference materials have prompted warnings from authoritative bodies, like the New York Mycological Society, about potentially dangerous inaccuracies in mushroom foraging guides generated by AI.
Evaluating AI-Generated Material
Librarians have long been discerning gatekeepers of quality literature, but the influx of AI-generated texts presents unique challenges. With limited time, they cannot read every book they consider for their collections. This necessitates a reliance on various indicators to assess the potential quality of materials, including:
Author Identity: Librarians typically examine the author’s previous works and digital presence. A notable absence of reviews or an unexpectedly high volume of publications in a short timeframe can signal potential issues. For instance, librarian Kate DeMeester-Lane from Pima County Public Library notes that many AI-generated titles lack a substantial author footprint, which raises red flags.
Copyright Issues: Works created solely by AI may not be eligible for copyright; this could serve as a criterion for librarians assessing whether to stock such books. If a book’s copyright record suggests that it consists mainly of text generated without human intervention, it’s likely to be excluded from the collection.
Quality of Content: Many AI-generated books fall short in storytelling and factual accuracy. Their simplistic language and awkward sentences often reveal their origin quickly. DeMeester-Lane emphasizes that while AI may be effective in generating basic content, it usually fails to create compelling narratives or accurate nonfiction material.
- Public Response and Demand: The community’s perception of AI-generated works will ultimately guide libraries’ decisions. As public sentiment evolves, librarians are prepared to revisit their stance on carrying such materials.
Current Library Practices
Pima County Public Library has established a cautious approach to AI-generated material. Although they do not have a formal policy against such texts, the prevailing sentiment is to avoid them for now due to their generally low quality. Librarians employ strategies like cross-referencing reviews and scrutinizing author backgrounds to make informed decisions. While they remain open to the possibility of including well-crafted AI-generated books in the future, that development relies heavily on advancements in the technology and public opinion.
The Continuing Debate: Art vs. Automation
One of the most critical aspects of the conversation around AI content revolves around the nature of authorship and creativity. Many librarians, including DeMeester-Lane, are cognizant of the philosophical implications of AI-generated texts. There is a question of whether a book’s value is determined by its content alone, regardless of its source, or if the emotional and artistic contributions of a human author are irreplaceable. This debate will play a pivotal role in shaping libraries’ approaches to AI-generated works in the coming years.
The Future of Libraries and AI Content
As generative AI continues to evolve, it is likely to produce works that are more polished and engaging. Ultimately, local libraries will need to consider how they can balance community demand with their commitment to quality. Should AI-generated books advance to a level where they can capture the imagination and engage readers meaningfully, it’s plausible that libraries might adopt a more inclusive policy.
Many librarians emphasize that their mission is to serve the public, encouraging exploration and critical thinking about all kinds of literature. DeMeester-Lane reflects this sentiment, acknowledging that the evolving landscape of AI in publishing presents opportunities and challenges. "Are we going to lean toward protecting authors’ rights and integrity, or will we prioritize storytelling, regardless of its origin?" she asks.
Conclusion
In a rapidly changing world fueled by technological advancements, local librarians remain vigilant in their mission to curate quality collections for their communities. While generative AI presents new challenges in the form of poorly created texts, librarians are actively employing various strategies to filter out these works, ensuring their collections uphold the high standards that patrons expect. The conversation surrounding AI-generated content will likely grow more complex in the years to come, as both technology and public perspectives continue to evolve. Libraries will play a crucial role in navigating this landscape, acting as both guardians of knowledge and facilitators of community dialogue on what constitutes valuable literature in an increasingly digital era.
