Letsatsi Lekhooa
Systems Librarian, National University of Lesotho Library | Chairperson, Lesotho Research and Education Network (LesREN) | Research Fellow, AI in Academic Writing and Publishing
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Letsatsi Lekhooa is a Systems Librarian at the National University of Lesotho Library and the Chairperson of the Lesotho Research and Education Network (LesREN). His work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital governance, open knowledge infrastructure, and digital rights within public and academic institutions. He has extensive experience supporting research systems, institutional repositories, data governance frameworks, and digital transformation initiatives in higher education.
He is a Research Fellow in AI in Academic Writing and Publishing and serves on editorial and peer review boards for academic journals. His research and professional engagements examine how emerging technologies, particularly AI-driven systems, affect access to information, privacy, accountability, and intellectual freedom in libraries and knowledge institutions. He has contributed to national and regional discussions on digital policy, open science, and technology governance across Africa.
Letsatsi is actively involved in multi-stakeholder initiatives on climate action, data governance, and digital inclusion, and regularly supports capacity building for librarians, researchers, and policymakers. His current interests include rights-based approaches to AI adoption in libraries, responsible data use, and strengthening public trust in digital knowledge systems
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Governing AI in Public and Academic Libraries
Public and academic libraries are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence to support discovery systems, digital repositories, research analytics, and user services. While these technologies can improve access to information and efficiency, they also raise governance concerns related to privacy, data protection, intellectual freedom, transparency, and accountability.
This lightning talk examines how AI systems used in libraries can be governed in ways that protect digital rights and uphold core library values. It highlights key governance risks emerging from common library AI applications, including opaque vendor-controlled algorithms, excessive data collection, limited user consent, algorithmic bias, and weak institutional oversight. The session pays particular attention to challenges faced by libraries operating in contexts where regulatory frameworks for AI and data protection are still evolving.
Drawing on examples from public and academic libraries, the talk will outline practical governance considerations for policymakers, library leaders, and civil society actors. It will conclude by presenting a concise set of principles for rights-respecting AI adoption in libraries, aimed at supporting informed decision-making, accountability, and public trust in AI-enabled knowledge institutions.
Letsatsi Lekhooa
Systems Librarian, National University of Lesotho Library | Chairperson, Lesotho Research and Education Network (LesREN) | Research Fellow, AI in Academic Writing and Publishing
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