Joint submission from library and information service organisations to the safe and responsible AI inquiry

This submission into safe and responsible AI in Australia is jointly made by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), the Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL), National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA), CAVAL, AI4 Libraries Archives Museums (AI4LAM) and Open Access Australasia (OAA).
 
In developing our response to the discussion paper, we are guided as library and information services organisations by our commitment to fundamental principles including equity of access to information, knowledge and culture; respect for the individuality and diversity of people; preservation of the human record; and the protection of privacy. In line with these values, and to effectively and safely harness the benefits of generative AI, the following are recommended:
 
1. Priority is given to improving literacy, including AI, information and media literacy, across the Australian population.
2. A commitment is made to uphold human rights, ensuring fairness and centring ethical considerations2 in the development and use of generative AI tools.
3. Regulations, policy, standards and guidelines should be created in consultation with key stakeholders including library and information professionals, representatives of minority or vulnerable groups and First Nations people.
 
The submission addresses these areas, identifying needs and areas of uncertainty, and then concludes with a discussion on policies and standards.