12 takeaways from Stanford’s 2026 AI Index report

Abstract shapes from cover of AI Index Shana Lynch writes: “This year’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Index report reveals AI’s capabilities are advancing quickly; less so, our ability to measure and manage them. The annual AI Index has tracked the field’s evolution since 2017, measuring everything from technical capabilities and research output to societal impact and public perception. The new report shows that AI models are achieving breakthrough results in science and complex reasoning, but at a concerning environmental toll. Meanwhile, AI’s workforce disruption has moved from prediction to reality, hitting young workers first.”

Stanford University Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, Apr. 13

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Anita Sundaram Coleman writes: “The ALA Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Working Group has released a draft guidance document for libraries. This is a good document. It says, in one quiet clause buried in its appendix, that AI should enable ‘human flourishing—including mental and social wellness.’ But neither it nor we may know what that means yet. That’s what this section is for. Before we delve into flourishing, we need the rule: ‘Question the chatbot back on everything. Verify anything that carries your name. Triangulate, with other AI tools and with non-AI sources.’”

Infophilia: A Positive Psychology of Information, May 9
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A new report from PEN America found that 3,743 unique titles were removed from at least one school library or classroom during the 2024–2025 school year. “In the last school year, we found a surge in the banning of nonfiction titles. We documented bans on over 1,100 unique titles that are educational or informational books for young people—textbooks or reference texts on a wide range of subjects, history books, biographies, and autobiographies.” The most common topics in banned titles included violence, death and grief, and empowerment and self-esteem.

PEN America, May 7
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Nominations are being accepted through September 1 for ALA honorary membership, the Association’s highest honor, which is bestowed on a living person whose contribution to libraries and/or librarianship, or a closely related field, is so outstanding that it is of lasting importance to the advancement of the whole field of library service. Honorary members are elected for life by vote of the ALA Council upon recommendation of the ALA Executive Board. Newly elected honorary members will be formally recognized at the Opening General Session during the 2027 ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition.

ALA Governance Office, May 6
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Jessica Brownley writes: “As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, I’ve been thinking about the role libraries play in supporting the emotional well-being of children in library programs. In a recent art program, a participant became frustrated when their painting did not turn out the way they expected. They stopped following instructions, changed their work, and eventually became tearful. These kinds of moments are not unusual in library spaces. Emotional reactions can show up quickly and may seem big compared to the situation—but they are very real for the child experiencing them.”

ALSC Blog, May 6
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Brett Bonfield writes: “When it comes to the ALA’s more than $66 million endowment, we trustees are mindful of the ethical impact of the Association’s investments. That’s where ESG, or environmental, social, and governance, investing comes in. ESG investing refers to the practice of incorporating environmental impact, social issues, and corporate governance into investing decisions. This column will answer the primary questions that endowment trustees are asked about ESG investments and how ALA approaches them.”

American Libraries Online, May 11
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Dan Montgomery writes: “While the commemoration of ALA’s 150th anniversary kicked off in January, ALA staff and member leaders have been building momentum toward its largest in-person celebration, the 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition in our hometown of Chicago. I feel honored and privileged to be here in this moment as we celebrate this Magnificent Milestone! (Did you catch my Chicago pun?) I invite you to join your colleagues at Annual to observe our past, reflect on our present, and envision our future.”

American Libraries column, May
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Anne Ford writes: “For 150 years, ALA has shaped the landscape of libraries and the profession itself—but its leadership has often reflected the racial and gender biases of society at large. For this special anniversary issue, American Libraries spoke with eight barrier-busting Association leaders about their struggles, triumphs, breakdowns, and breakthroughs. The stories and lessons they share reveal how diversity fuels and transforms the power of libraries everywhere.”

American Libraries feature, May

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