A space for responsible AI experimentation, shared learning and library-led innovation

Our AI Lab enables principled AI engagement through our Library areas of expertise. We drive ethical and human-centered AI innovation in the Library and share our insights to support broader understanding across Deakin. Our team serves as a central point for Library AI advice and assistance, connecting Library staff and the broader University community to AI resources and good practices.

By building domain expertise and fostering collaboration, our AI Lab helps shape informed, confident and context-aware use of AI for our communities.

To achieve this the AI Lab:

• facilitates cross-institutional collaborations and knowledge-sharing platforms
• enhances open communication with staff about AI
• provides learning opportunities on principled use of AI
• evaluates potentials and pitfalls of AI tools using library areas of expertise.

Why an AI Lab?

In 2023-24 the Library recognised the need for a coordinated, resourced approach to AI in the Library. The AI Lab was established in 2025 as an experimental initiative to deliver sustained, strategic impact. It is designed to position Deakin Library as a leader, connector, collaborator and incubator in AI.

Current AI Lab activity

2025 projects

Library AI Lab launch and establishment

• Stand up and establish the Library AI Lab to support a strengthened and coordinated approach to library expertise, experimentation and activity in this space.

Library AI intranet space for connection and capability building

• Support current AI awareness (Deakin and broader context).
• Surface AI learning opportunities.
• Surface AI projects or pilot information and connect staff.
• Develop Library intranet.

AI Evaluation - Library SME

• Pilot a structured library internal service to assess or evaluate AI from areas of Library expertise. Providing insights on risks, costs and opportunities.

Supporting Deakin’s GenAI 2025+ Action Plan

• Support prioritised action items as targeted and identified by Library strategic leadership.

Open practices work

• ALIA Online - Building AI Ready Libraries
• Lighting talk - The Future Is Now: Contextualising AI at Deakin Library - that presented on what led to the Library AI Lab at Deakin. A strategic project that built an understanding of AIs opportunities and challenges, and to make recommendations and responds to the intersections of AI.
• Research Support Community Day - Sharing a new AI evaluation service. This new service explores the risks and benefits of both emerging AI tools and introduced AI functionality into existing tools from the library's areas of expertise, identifying relevant considerations and implications for the library.
• VALA Tech Camp - Workshop delivered to library members from across Australia on the impacts that AI is having on the search experience.
• THETA - Presented on the creation of a principles-based framework to guide the use of genAI across teaching, learning, research, and operations across Deakin University.