AI Built for Libraries: Centered on Trust, Simplicity, and Impact

Toronto, Ontario, June 28, 2025 — As public libraries continue to evolve in a rapidly changing digital landscape, BiblioCommons is advancing efforts to simplify the patron experience and reaffirm the library's role as a trusted source of information. The latest area of exploration is artificial intelligence.

The increase in tools, platforms, and disconnected services has made it challenging for patrons to engage with their libraries online. Patrons are expected to navigate multiple systems to accomplish simple tasks, whether it's finding information, discovering their next read, borrowing a title, or asking a question. When these paths become too complex, many disengage. At BiblioCommons, we believe that technology should remove barriers, not create them. That belief is at the heart of our approach: bringing patrons closer to the library, one click at a time. We refer to this effort as the ‘One-ClickExperience’. It is a vision for a unified, intuitive journey where users can log in with one click, explore everything on a single screen, search all resources in one place, and engage fully within a single app.

BiblioCommons' approach to AI is grounded in this philosophy and in the core values that make public libraries the most trusted civic institutions. As we explore AI capabilities, we are focused on intentional, thoughtful experimentation that upholds accuracy, privacy, and equity. Yasmary Mora, Product Director at BiblioCommons, shares, "Our goal is not to 'check a box' to be in the AI race, but to ensure that any AI-powered enhancements meet the high standard expected of BiblioCommons products and align with the mission of public libraries." BiblioCommons identified three early areas of focus where AI can simplify the online library experience and boost patron engagement.

This initiative is already in motion, thanks to the commitment of three strategic Partner Libraries. These forward-thinking libraries are actively collaborating with BiblioCommons to shape and refine the AI features, ensuring they are grounded in real patron needs and library priorities.

The first is 'Ask the Library,' a conversational tool that uses AI to help answer common questions, such as "How do I get a library card?" or "Can I print something in color?" This AI feature has the potential to reduce staff workload while giving patrons quicker, more straightforward answers.

The second is AI-powered catalog discovery, where patrons can describe a mood or a book, "funny books that are thought-provoking,"or "cozy books about witches," and receive a carousel of suggested titles within the chat window. Patrons can refine their requests and instantly explore new recommendations, helping shift behavior from keyword search to conversational discovery.

The third is AI-summarized reviews, designed to simplify decision-making in the moment of discovery. Whether summarizing user reviews or validating suggestions in the recommendation carousel, these summaries help patrons feel more confident in their selections, all within a single screen.

Each of these initial use cases support a simple yet impactful outcome: making complex things simple. As BiblioCommons continues this journey in collaboration with our library partners, we are committed to transparency, shared learning, and designing tools that reflect the values of the public libraries we serve. By exploring AI with care, context, and clarity, BiblioCommons is not only helping libraries prepare for what's next but also bringing them closer to the ‘One-Click Experience’ their patrons deserve.

For more information about our AI initiatives, visit the BiblioCommons booth (#723) at ALA 2025 or contact a member of the BiblioCommons team.

About BiblioCommons

BiblioCommons builds software that transforms the public library's essential online services—catalog, mobile app, website, events calendar, and email marketing—from transactions to experiences worthy of the public library. BiblioCommons powers integrated online experiences for many of the top public libraries of all sizes across the United States and Canada. 

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For more information, please contact:
Eliana Franco, Marketing Director 
Eliana.Franco@BiblioCommons.com

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