Data Privacy
Integrating ethical considerations into every stage of AI use in education is essential, encompassing schools, public libraries, and their users. This includes safeguarding user data and ensuring responsible technology use. For libraries, this means reviewing existing policies and processes to incorporate AI-related language that reinforces ethical considerations and data privacy concerns.
Ethical considerations and data privacy are fundamental to the successful and responsible use of AI within educational environments, including public libraries. It is critical to balance the benefits and risks of AI, address bias, promote equity, and protect the data of all users. Educating both staff and patrons about inherent risks to data privacy helps ensure safe and informed AI integration in library and school spaces. Click each bolded topic below for a dropdown containing more information.
Key Considerations for Library and District Data Policies
Data guidelines should be incorporated into existing district and library policies.
- Prohibition on using data to improve the AI model: Vendors must not use student or patron data to train or enhance their AI systems without explicit consent.
- Data deletion upon contract termination: All user data must be permanently deleted when a contract ends or an account is closed.
- No third-party data sharing: AI vendors may not share data with third parties without consent.
- Responsible Acceptable Use Policies
- Sample language:
"
Users may not employ AI tools to create or distribute harmful, misleading, or inappropriate content, including but not limited to hate speech, deepfakes, or misinformation.
Users are advised not to input personal, sensitive, or confidential information into AI tools provided through library devices or services.
AI tools available through library technology may not be suitable for all ages; parental guidance is encouraged."
- Sample language:
- Code of Conduct & Academic Integrity Policies
- Sample language: "
Acceptable Conduct:
AI tools may be used for educational, creative, or personal enrichment purposes, provided use is respectful, non-disruptive, and lawful.
Patrons must not use AI tools to generate or disseminate harmful, false, or inappropriate content, including content that is discriminatory, threatening, or violates others' rights.
Prohibited Conduct:
Generating or distributing AI-assisted content that could be used to deceive, impersonate, harass, or harm others.
Using AI to circumvent age-appropriate content filters or access prohibited material.
Recording, replicating, or sharing other patrons’ likenesses, voices, or personal data using AI-powered tools without consent."
- Sample language: "
- Digital Citizenship Standards & Curriculum
- Transparency & Consent
- Data Encryption & Storage
- Copyright Policies & Citation Guidelines
- Sample language on copyright: "
User Responsibilities:
Patrons are responsible for respecting copyright laws when using AI tools to generate or remix content (e.g., images, text, music, or video).
Users must not use AI tools to copy or replicate copyrighted material without proper permission or attribution.
AI-generated content may still be subject to copyright concerns, especially if it closely imitates or is trained on existing copyrighted works.
Guidance:
When uploading content to AI tools, users should avoid including copyrighted materials unless they own the rights or the material falls under fair use.
AI tools provided by the library may include terms of service or license agreements that define ownership and use—patrons are encouraged to read and follow these.
Disclaimer: The library provides access to AI tools for educational and informational use but does not provide legal advice on copyright matters. Users should consult a legal professional for specific concerns."
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Sample language on citation guidelines:
When to Cite AI Tools:
Patrons should cite AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL·E, Copilot) when content from these tools informs or is included in their work.
This applies to written text, images, coding assistance, or data summaries generated by AI.
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Basic Citation Format (example):
OpenAI. (2025). Response generated by ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
Image generated by DALL·E, OpenAI. (2025). Prompt: “Library robot reading a book.” https://openai.com/dall-e
Academic Use:
Students are encouraged to follow citation styles required by their schools (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).
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- Library staff can help guide users to citation support resources but cannot verify the appropriateness of AI-generated academic content.
- Sample language on copyright: "
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Ethical Reminder:
Citing AI tools helps maintain transparency about the sources of information and acknowledges the role of emerging technologies in idea development. - Digital Equity & Student Access Policies
- Vendor Compliance
- Continuous Monitoring & Improvement
DPI Recommendations
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction recommends the following practices for school districts and public libraries:
- Conduct comprehensive evaluations of AI tools before implementation.
- Define specific retention periods for student and user data.
- Provide staff training on student data privacy and ethical AI use.
- Ensure compatibility between AI tools and existing learning management systems (LMS).
- Assess hardware infrastructure and prioritize tools that comply with accessibility standards.
One place where you can look to vet AI tools is EdTech Index. Another place is the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC).
Wisconsin Library Record Confidentiality
Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 43.30 outlines the confidentiality of library records, protecting patron privacy. Additionally, Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 134.98 governs the protection of personal information.
When selecting AI tools, libraries and school districts should ensure:
- Compliance with federal data privacy laws such as COPPA and FERPA.
- AI tools do not collect or train on student or patron data without proper consent.
- Intellectual property rights are retained by the school, library, or tribal community.
The Green Bay Area Public School District serves as a model for AI policy development, advocating for secure AI integration through the use of vetted tools that align with local data privacy practices.