As Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly relies on vast amounts of text, images, and other multi-media content for training and operation, AI law and policy development has become a central factor in determining how information and knowledge can be produced, accessed, shared, and used, and how research can and should be conducted. One unique aspect of AI is that its impact transcends national borders. As a result, understanding global developments in the AI legal framework is just as important as staying informed about those within the United States.

This discussion brings together scholars and law librarians to examine how emerging global AI legal frameworks are reshaping the work of law libraries and the broader legal information profession. Focusing on developments in the United States, China, and the European Union, the panel will cover the convergences and divergences across four key regulatory domains: copyright, privacy, data security, and ethics. These frameworks directly influence how law librarians teach, conduct research, provide reference services, support scholarly communication, manage e-resources, cataloging and metadata, and oversee licensing review.

Copyright, privacy, and data security shape research design, scholarly communication, and data management by governing the reuse of content, handling sensitive information, and defining safeguards in licensing agreements. Ethical frameworks guide the responsible use of AI, ensure transparency and fairness, and promote equity and accountability in access and licensing practices. Placed in an international context, these considerations underscore the strategic role of law libraries in bridging global AI regulation with open, ethical, and legally compliant access to knowledge.

This program is sponsored by the Foreign, Comparative & International Law SIS (FCIL-SIS).

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This program will benefit librarians and information professionals working in diverse library settings, such as academic, firm, court, government, and other nonprofit or for-profit libraries, who conduct multi-jurisdictional research and training or engage with vendors and materials originating from, or published in, the United States, China, or the European Union. It will also be valuable for those involved in research and reference services, teaching, scholarly communication, acquisitions and licensing review, e-resources management, and metadata and cataloging, where understanding global legal frameworks is increasingly essential.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Participants will engage in a comparative conversation exploring how the United States, China, and the European Union approach the governance of AI. Through this dialogue, participants will identify key similarities and differences in broad legal frameworks, policy priorities, and interpretations of creativity, authorship, access to information, research transparency, and ethics.
2. Participants will discuss the practical implications of the evolving legal frameworks and examine how these developments may impact library operations, services, and professional practices in areas of teaching, research, reference, e-resources management, cataloging and metadata, and licensing. 
3. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies to stay informed about ongoing legal developments in the United States, China, and the European Union, and to prepare their institutions and professional practices to adapt to forthcoming changes in these key landscapes shaped by AI.

SPEAKERS:

• Paul D. Callister, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
• Saskia Mehlhorn, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

COORDINATOR:

• Alex Zhang, Duke Law School

MODERATOR:

• Anne Mostad-Jensen, LLMC

AALL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS: Research + Analysis, Teaching + Training

CANCELLATION AND OTHER POLICIES:

No refunds will be given for any purchased AALL conference recording. This applies to non-AALL members only as the recordings are free for AALL members.

The opinions shared during this program represent the views of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Recording, capturing, or using AI tools to duplicate, transcribe, or otherwise reproduce an AALL program in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from AALL. This includes, but is not limited to audio, video, or any other content shared. By accessing an AALL recording, you agree to adhere to this policy.