Understanding the Impact of AI on Library Traffic
The surge in AI-generated web traffic has significantly disrupted services at the University of North Carolina Libraries. As libraries face unprecedented access challenges, this article shares insights on how we can effectively combat aggressive crawlers.
Key Highlights:
- Dramatic Traffic Increases: Following the emergence of generative AI, libraries saw a spike in disruptive bot-related traffic that caused service outages.
- Innovative Solutions: UNC adopted novel strategies like facet-based bot detection, automated blocking, and collaboration with other institutions to tackle these bots head-on.
- Community Coordination: Informal discussions revealed widespread challenges, leading to initiatives for knowledge-sharing among library professionals across regions.
Lessons Learned:
- Traditional blocking techniques are insufficient against adaptive crawlers.
- There’s a pressing need for libraries to rethink security measures while maintaining open access.
As we continue to refine our approaches, it’s vital to share strategies and develop a unified response. Join the conversation and share this post to expand awareness in the library and tech communities!
