The University of Tulsa Libraries have signed a national Statement of Shared Practice on AI & Archives, a community-developed framework that establishes shared professional standards for responding to artificial intelligence training requests involving archival and special collections materials.
Developed through collaboration among research libraries and coordinated by the University of Virginia Library, the Statement of Shared Practice reflects a growing recognition that cultural heritage institutions must engage AI thoughtfully, ethically and collectively. As stewards of rare, unique and often irreplaceable materials, libraries have a responsibility to ensure that emerging technologies do not compromise provenance, obscure attribution or diminish our ability to steward collections in accordance with donor intent and community trust.
Current AI training practices present particular challenges for archives and special collections. When materials are absorbed into AI systems without clear mechanisms for attribution or control, the essential relationship between source and knowledge can be severed. This not only risks eroding scholarly integrity but also limits institutional oversight of how materials are reused, interpreted or redistributed in AI-generated outputs.
“As AI technologies rapidly reshape the research landscape, we recognize that no single institution can, or should, navigate these challenges alone,” said Jill Krefft, R.M. and Ida McFarlin Dean of Libraries. “Participating in this initiative reflects our commitment to working collaboratively at the national level to develop thoughtful, ethical approaches to AI use. This collective effort ensures that we move forward not in isolation, but with shared purpose and accountability to the communities we serve.”
By endorsing this shared framework, UTulsa Libraries affirm their commitment to:
- Safeguarding the provenance, context and integrity of archival materials
- Exercising careful, consistent review of AI training requests
- Maintaining institutional control over collections and their use
- Supporting transparency and collaboration across the cultural heritage community
- Engaging AI in ways that advance research and access without compromising ethical responsibilities
As AI technologies continue to evolve, the question is not whether libraries will engage with them, but how. Participation in the Statement of Shared Practice enables UTulsa Libraries to contribute to a collective approach that balances innovation with stewardship, ensuring that the materials entrusted to university care remain accessible, attributable and responsibly managed. The University of Tulsa joins Duke, Rice, Northwestern, WashU and other notable universities in signing this important statement.