FEATURE
10 Digital Tools Every Library User Should Know
by Susan McClellan
| The rise of AI-generated content, algorithm-driven search results, and increasingly fragmented information has made it more difficult for people to determine what sources deserve their trust. |
Libraries have always helped people navigate information, and today’s environment must adapt quickly. Customers are just as likely to arrive with questions about AI, online misinformation, government services, digital content creation, or career development as they are to ask for a book recommendation. The rise of AI-generated content, algorithm-driven search results, and increasingly fragmented information has made it more difficult for people to determine what sources deserve their trust. Customers expect immediate access to information and tools that can help
them learn, create, and solve problems.
Librarians can introduce customers to digital tools that support research, learning, health literacy, civic engagement, creativity, and critical thinking. It may be that they are resources that librarians are already using for library tasks. Let’s look at some tools that stood out in 2026 because they addressed customers’ questions and reinforced the library’s role as a trusted guide to reliable information.
 1. ChatGPT
ChatGPT (chatgpt.com) is often the first generative AI (gen AI) tool that patrons encounter because so many people are using it. There are more than 900 million weekly users from around the world, according to recent data. Students use it to understand difficult concepts, job seekers rely on it to improve resumes and cover letters, and community members turn to it for help with organizing ideas and drafting documents. With every new version its parent company OpenAI introduces, it’s becoming less likely to hallucinate (openai.com/index/gpt-6-astra). What makes ChatGPT important is that it provides a valuable opportunity to teach AI literacy. Librarians can demonstrate how to use AI for brainstorming, summarization, and writing assistance while emphasizing the importance of verifying information through authoritative sources. Understanding how gen AI works has become as essential as understanding how search engines worked 20 years ago. Libraries that help patrons use AI responsibly are addressing one of the most significant information literacy challenges of the decade.
 2. Perplexity
While ChatGPT excels at conversation, Perplexity (perplexity.ai) has emerged as one of the strongest tools for research-oriented questions. Perplexity generates concise answers and displays the sources used to create them. This transparency makes it useful in library settings. Librarians can show customers the answer and where the information originated. The tool works well for background research, for looking up current events, and for users who may not have advanced search skills. In a time when seeking AI-generated responses is increasingly common, Perplexity’s emphasis on source attribution aligns closely with library values of authority, accountability, and evidence-based information. As with any gen AI, proceeding with caution is important. According to the Data Studios blog, “Independent evaluations confirm that Perplexity outperforms rivals on citation accuracy but still falls short of academic standards” (datastudios.org/post/perplexity-ai-for-academic-research-how-reliable-are-the-sources).  3. Gemini Notebook
Gemini Notebook (notebook.google), formerly called NotebookLM, reflects an important shift in how AI can support research. Rather than pulling information from the internet, the tool allows users to upload their own documents and ask questions based solely on those sources. Researchers can analyze reports, students can study course readings, and nonprofit professionals can review grant materials without losing sight of the original content. For libraries, Gemini Notebook provides a good platform for teaching source-based inquiry. It fosters engagement with carefully selected documents rather than encouraging users to accept
AI-generated answers. When information overload continues to challenge researchers, Gemini Notebook offers a practical solution for organizing, understanding, and synthesizing large amounts of information.  4. Google Scholar
Google Scholar (scholar.google.com) remains one of the most valuable research resources available. Many customers may begin with a general Google search and never explore beyond that. Google Scholar provides a more focused pathway into scholarly literature by indexing peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, dissertations, books, and technical reports. Its familiar interface decreases barriers for users who may find academic databases intimidating. Google Scholar is valuable because it often connects users to OA versions of scholarly works as well as library subscriptions. When misinformation and questionable expertise are widespread online, Google Scholar remains a dependable starting point for locating credible academic research and introducing customers to scholarly communication.  5. MedlinePlus
Health questions are among the most common inquiries received in public libraries, but health misinformation remains one of the most persistent online challenges. MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov) addresses this problem by providing consumer-friendly health information produced by the National Library of Medicine. Unlike commercial health websites, MedlinePlus presents evidence-based information without advertising or sensationalism. Customers can find explanations of diseases, medications, medical procedures, and wellness topics written in accessible language. The site also includes videos, illustrations, and multilingual content. In a time when social media continues to amplify questionable medical advice, MedlinePlus offers librarians a trusted resource that balances authority with readability.  6. USAGov
Government information can be difficult to navigate, particularly for customers who are unfamiliar with federal agencies and online services. USAGov (usa.gov) serves as a centralized gateway to government resources, helping users locate information about taxes, passports, Medicare, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, voting, and immigration services. Librarians frequently assist patrons with government forms and benefit applications, making USAGov an essential reference resource. Its value lies not only in the information it provides, but also in its ability to direct users to official sources, reducing confusion and helping patrons avoid scams and misinformation.
 7. Internet Archive
Few resources illustrate the importance of digital preservation better than the Internet Archive (archive.org). Best known for the Wayback Machine (web.archive.org), the platform allows users to view historical versions of websites that may have changed or disappeared entirely. This capability can be invaluable for researchers and students. Beyond website preservation, the Internet Archive provides access to millions of digitized books, recordings, videos, software programs, and historical materials. Preserving digital history has become increasingly important. Libraries have long preserved print materials, and the Internet Archive extends that mission into the digital realm and demonstrates how preservation supports accountability, scholarship, and cultural memory.  8. Canva
Customers visit libraries seeking assistance with content creation, personal branding, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Canva (canva.com) has become one of the most accessible design platforms available, enabling people to create presentations, fliers, newsletters, infographics, and social media graphics without professional design experience. Small-business owners, nonprofit organizations, students, and job seekers all benefit from its ease of use. Libraries often use Canva for marketing and outreach. In a communication environment dominated by visual media, it also helps users develop practical digital communication skills that extend beyond traditional information literacy.  9. OER Commons
The cost of educational materials remains a significant barrier for many in the current economy. OER Commons (oercommons.org) addresses this challenge by providing access to openly licensed textbooks, lesson plans, instructional materials, and multimedia resources. Students, educators, homeschoolers, and lifelong learners can access high-quality content without the financial burden associated with commercial textbooks. Libraries have increasingly embraced openly available resources as part of their commitment to equitable access. OER Commons demonstrates how free materials can expand learning opportunities and reduce barriers to knowledge while concerns about affordability and educational access continue to grow.  10. Snopes
The need for fact-checking resources has increased with the rapid growth of AI-generated content that makes source verification even more crucial. Snopes (snopes.com) remains one of the most widely recognized fact-checking platforms available. It investigates viral rumors, misleading claims, and online hoaxes. More importantly, it models a transparent verification process that librarians can use to teach critical evaluation skills. Rather than simply labeling information as true or false, Snopes shows users how evidence is gathered and analyzed. In 2026, media literacy is no longer an optional skill. Customers must be able to evaluate claims, identify reliable sources, and recognize misinformation. Snopes supports those efforts while reinforcing the library’s role as a champion of informed citizenship. Why These Tools Matter
What makes these resources noteworthy is not simply that they are free or popular. Together, they represent the major themes that have shaped library service in 2026: AI, digital literacy, OA, health information, civic engagement, lifelong learning, content creation, and misinformation detection. Each tool helps librarians move beyond answering immediate questions and toward teaching transferable skills. A patron who learns how to verify information through Perplexity, evaluate scholarly research through Google Scholar, locate trustworthy health information through MedlinePlus, or fact-check a viral claim with Snopes gains skills that extend far beyond a single transaction at the reference desk. Libraries have always connected people with information, and today, they must help customers understand how information is created, evaluated, and preserved more than ever.
Conclusion
The abundance of information available online has not reduced the need for libraries—instead, it has increased it. Customers will always need trusted guides who can help them navigate that complexity. The tools highlighted in this article provide librarians with 10 resources that can be incorporated into reference work, instruction sessions, research consultations, and community outreach programs. More importantly, they support the broader mission of libraries: helping people become more informed, independent, and confident users of information.
As libraries continue to adapt to emerging technologies, their value will not be measured by how many tools they adopt, but by how effectively they help users make sense of them. These resources are just a few that provide a foundation for that work in 2026 and beyond.
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