The Tshwane University of Technology鈥檚 Directorate of Library and Information Services (LIS) hosted the second Biennial LIS Transformative Summit themed Re-imagining and transforming academic libraries in the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI): re-writing our story, in August. The event attracted about 270 delegates and featured a line up of exceptional speakers who shared insights on the benefits of AI in our Libraries.
In her welcome address, Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, said the theme is not only catchy but urgent. 鈥淎rtificial Intelligence has entered almost every aspect of our lives: how we learn, teach, conduct research and how we engage with communities. For libraries, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. It challenges us to rethink how we organise, deliver and preserve knowledge, while it also offers opportunities to expand access, personalise services and support research in ways unimaginable just a decade ago,鈥� she said.
鈥淏ut more than anything, it demands that we re-write our story, a story in which libraries are not relics of the past, but laboratories of innovation and hubs of engagement. Libraries have always been more than shelves and catalogues; they have been symbols of resilience, inclusion, and possibility,鈥� she adds.
鈥淎rtificial Intelligence may be powerful, but it will never replace the human values that define us - equity, integrity, curiosity and service. It may transform how we work, but it cannot transform why we work to empower minds, to nurture research and to serve society,鈥� she continued.
She added that the summit is a bold step where librarians, researchers, technologists and policymakers converge to shape the future of knowledge creation and dissemination while urging all delegates to leave with a renewed commitment to re-write their stories in ways that inspire generations to come
Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka welcoming the delegates
Outlining the purpose, Ms Sanele Kunene, Director of LIS said AI is a reality shaping how knowledge is created, accessed and shared - the question is 鈥榳here do libraries stand in this unfolding revolution?
鈥淔or centuries Libraries stood at the heart of teaching, learning and research, yet today AI challenges us to evolve, moving beyond the role of being custodians of information towards becoming innovators, digital leaders and active partners in the knowledge economy,鈥� she said.
鈥淲hile AI brings with it challenges, ethical dilemmas, issues of bias and fear of job displacements, it also unlocks remarkable opportunities. Re-writing our story means to lead this transformation by reskilling ourselves, embracing emerging technologies and shaping inclusive ethical practices.鈥�
鈥淎s Librarians we must adopt and adapt or risk irrelevancy. AI is not a threat, but an opportunity to reimagine our purpose with resilience, creativity and vision,鈥� she concluded.
Ms Sanele Kunene outlining the purpose of the summit.
In his keynote address Dr Mashilo Modiba, senior lecturer at Unisa, talked about the application of Artificial Intelligence Recommender Systems (AIRS) needed to enhance user experience in academic libraries. They use machine learning to analyse user behaviour and are designed to make learning and research easy, faster and more personalised.
He said that while we encourage the use of AI in our organisations, there must also be AI education in the country.
In his message of support, Prof Pius Owolawi, Assistant Dean: Computer Systems Engineering at 大象视频, emphasised the need to upskill staff on AI skills as it is here to stay. He said to enhance user experiences at our libraries, we need to integrate AI robotics and smart technologies for a future-ready academic library.
Dr Mashilo Modiba from Unisa who delivered the keynote address.