COUNTER has drafted new guidelines for tracking AI usage, and they are now open for public comment through February 23. The guidelines apply mainly to usage generated by AI tools on publisher platforms.
Previously, the COUNTER Code of Practice instructed users not to count AI usage, but the growth of agentic AI activity, such as that driven by researchers using AI for text and data mining, requires a change in approach. Technology providers, publishers, librarians and consortium managers, and others are invited to to review the draft guidelines and leave feedback.
The consultation, first opened in December 2025, was extended to incorporate ideas and comments generated at the NISO Plus pre-conference, “Tracking Usage in the Age of AI,” happening February 16 in Baltimore. COUNTER executive director Tasha Mellins-Cohen will present at the event and help lead the discussions to follow. Visit the NISO Plus website for additional details on both the pre-conference and the main event—there’s still time to join us!
