Building AI Capability In Health Libraries practice-based insights from our Health Libraries Australia Community of Practice

Abstract

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into health and library information services (HLIS) presents both significant opportunities and sector-specific challenges. Understanding AI and the scientific literature evaluating it, is emerging as a critical competency for future healthcare professionals. In response, the Australian Library and Information Association’s Health Libraries Australia (ALIA HLA) AI in HLIS Community of Practice (CoP) was established in November 2023 to support health library professionals across Australia and extending to Aotearoa (New Zealand). This CoP provides a collaborative, cross-sector platform to share knowledge, develop best practices, and navigate the ethical, technical, and practical implications of AI adoption. Over 2.5 years, it has fostered professional connection, reduced duplication of effort, and strengthened a shared identity among participants, including those in small or solo roles. As librarians evolve from information gatekeepers to knowledge facilitators, their expertise in evidence appraisal, metadata standards, system interoperability, and information governance remains essential. The CoP highlights the critical role of health library professionals in ensuring the responsible, effective, and ethically-grounded use of AI to support high-quality evidence and informed clinical decision-making.