Strategies for Acquiring Access to Generative AI Services and Systems

This report summarizes Executive Roundtables held by the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) in October 2024 and March 2025 on institutional strategies for selecting, financing, contracting, and deploying generative artificial intelligence (AI) services and systems. These exploratory discussions brought together senior leaders from more than 20 member organizations, including libraries, information technology units, research offices, and teaching and learning centers. The timing of the roundtables reflected a pressing need for clarity on generative AI procurement and implementation amid rapid institutional adoption. The report captures themes and observations that emerged from both sessions, including: governance frameworks; funding and sustainability models; implementation across teaching, learning, and research applications; privacy and security considerations; and strategies for managing AI training data.