Summary
As of September 1, 2026, EBSCO will transition AI-Assisted Search and Ask This Document (AI Ask) beta features available by default across EBSCOhost resources including those accessible statewide through BadgerLink subscriptions. Libraries will continue to have full administrative control to opt out of these AI features through EBSCO Experience Manager (EEM) and by contacting DPI Bureau of Libraries staff for assistance.
Effective September 1, 2026, EBSCO will transition AI-Assisted Search and Ask This Document (AI Ask) beta from opt-in to opt-out, making both features available by default across applicable researcher interfaces, including EBSCOhost and EBSCO Discovery Service.
Libraries will continue to have full administrative control through EBSCO Experience Manager (EEM). Any existing customizations or decisions to disable these features will remain unchanged through the transition. EBSCO initially used an opt-in model to respect libraries’ varying policies and readiness to adopt AI. However, customers reported that limited awareness, competing priorities, and uncertainty about administrative responsibilities often prevented enablement. Customer feedback and usage data also indicate that these features help researchers discover and use trusted, library-provided content more easily.
Moving to an opt-out model will make the features more accessible while preserving institutional choice. Libraries may disable either feature based on their policies, and both are clearly labeled and optional for users.
For more information about these features or instructions for opting out, visit EBSCO's AI Quick Start Guide (EBSCO Connect article). Contact DPI Bureau of Libraries staff for further questions and assistance.
BadgerLink is made possible through a combination of both state funds appropriated through the biennial budget and Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
