Best AI Tools for Librarians in Australia (2026)

Australian librarians — whether in public libraries, school libraries, university libraries, or special libraries — are using AI tools to improve cataloguing, support patrons, manage collections, and deliver information literacy programs. The tools below are specific, named products that address real workflow challenges in Australian library settings.

Cataloguing and Metadata

OCLC WorldCat and Connexion

OCLC WorldCat is the world's largest library catalogue, and its Connexion cataloguing client is used by Australian libraries to create and edit bibliographic records. OCLC's AI-assisted features include automated metadata suggestions, duplicate detection, and authority file matching. Most Australian university and public libraries contribute to and draw from WorldCat.

Ex Libris Alma

Ex Libris Alma is a library services platform used by many Australian university libraries. It includes AI-assisted cataloguing features, collection analytics, and automated workflow management. Alma's AI tools help cataloguers identify duplicate records, suggest subject headings, and flag metadata inconsistencies.

SirsiDynix Symphony and BLUEcloud

SirsiDynix is a library management system used by many Australian public and special libraries. Its BLUEcloud suite includes AI-assisted cataloguing, patron analytics, and collection management tools. SirsiDynix is used by state library systems and large public library networks across Australia.

Koha

Koha is an open-source integrated library system used by many Australian school and special libraries. Its AI-assisted features include automated cataloguing suggestions, patron notification workflows, and collection analysis tools.

Reference and Research Support

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Librarians use ChatGPT to draft research guides, subject bibliographies, patron communication templates, and information literacy training materials. It is useful for producing first drafts of complex documents that librarians then refine with their professional expertise and knowledge of their collection.

Perplexity AI

Perplexity AI is an AI-powered search engine that provides cited answers to research questions. Librarians use it to quickly identify relevant sources for patron enquiries and to demonstrate AI-assisted research techniques in information literacy programs.

Elicit

Elicit is an AI research tool that searches academic literature and summarises findings. University and special librarians use it to support patron research enquiries, identify key papers in a field, and prepare research guides for specific subject areas.

Semantic Scholar

Semantic Scholar is a free AI-powered academic search engine developed by the Allen Institute for AI. It provides paper summaries, citation graphs, and related paper recommendations. Librarians use it to support academic research enquiries and build reading lists.

Collection Management

CollectionHQ

CollectionHQ is a collection management and analysis platform used by Australian public libraries. It uses data analytics to identify high-demand items, flag underperforming stock, and generate purchasing recommendations. Its AI features help collection development librarians make evidence-based decisions about acquisitions and weeding.

Sustainable Collection Services (SCS)

SCS by OCLC is a collection analysis tool used by Australian university libraries to evaluate their print and electronic collections against peer institutions. It uses AI to identify duplication, gaps, and opportunities for collaborative collection development.

Patron Services and Engagement

Springshare LibChat

LibChat is a live chat and chatbot platform used by Australian university and public libraries for patron enquiries. Its AI chatbot features handle common reference questions, direct patrons to relevant resources, and escalate complex enquiries to human librarians. LibChat integrates with LibGuides and other Springshare products.

Oclc Wise (formerly Bibliocommons)

Bibliocommons is a discovery and engagement platform used by Australian public libraries. It provides an AI-enhanced catalogue interface with personalised recommendations, reading lists, and community features. Patrons can discover new titles based on their borrowing history and reading preferences.

Information Literacy and Instruction

Canva for Education

Canva's education platform is used by school and university librarians to create information literacy resources, research guides, and instructional materials. Its AI design tools speed up the creation of visually engaging content for workshops and online guides.

LibGuides (Springshare)

LibGuides is a content management platform used by Australian university and public libraries to create subject guides, research tutorials, and information literacy resources. Its AI features assist with content organisation and link checking.

Google Workspace for Education

Librarians use Google Workspace tools — Docs, Slides, Forms, and Sites — to create and deliver information literacy programs, manage library communications, and collaborate with teaching staff on curriculum-integrated library instruction.

AI Literacy Programs

ALIA AI Literacy Resources

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has developed resources to help librarians understand and teach AI literacy. These include professional development materials, policy guidance, and frameworks for integrating AI literacy into library programs.

Regulatory and Ethical Considerations

Australian librarians have a professional responsibility to uphold patron privacy and intellectual freedom. AI tools used with patron data must comply with the Privacy Act 1988 and applicable state privacy legislation. Librarians should also be aware of copyright implications when using AI tools to generate or summarise copyrighted content, and should follow ALIA's ethical guidelines for AI use in library practice.

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Sources: OCLC WorldCat (oclc.org), Ex Libris Alma (exlibrisgroup.com), CollectionHQ (collectionhq.com), Springshare LibChat (springshare.com), ALIA (alia.org.au)