PRESENTATION

Presentation Description:

In an era of unprecedented technological change, libraries are at a pivotal crossroads. This panel will explore how digital technologies, particularly generative artificial intelligence (AI), are fundamentally reshaping libraries as inclusive, accessible, AI-ready, and trusted public institutions (Cox, Pinfield, & Rutter, 2019; Balnaves et al., 2025). The session will offer a forward-looking discussion on the professional, practical, and ethical challenges, as well as opportunities, that digital transformation presents across academic, public, and school library sectors. Panelists will be drawn from both researchers and practitioners representing these sectors.

Panelists will delve into key areas of impact, including the integration of AI into library support services (Harisanty et al., 2025), the transformation of technical services including classification and cataloguing (Pimentel et al., 2024), and the crucial role of technology in supporting diverse and marginalised communities (Whiteside et al., 2022). The discussion will also address implications for the library workforce, highlighting how new skill sets and ongoing professional development are essential for future success (Hallam, 2022).

Grounded in the vision of libraries not as passive recipients of technological change, but as proactive leaders in shaping a more equitable and digitally literate society, this panel will conclude with a dynamic Q&A that invites the audience to join this vital conversation and collectively chart a path for the library of tomorrow.

This 50-minute panel is designed to foster lively and interactive discussion. Following a brief introduction (5 minutes), panelists will give short presentations (5–7 minutes each) to frame the key issues. The majority of the session (25–30 minutes) will be dedicated to a moderated discussion and an engaging audience Q&A. This format ensures a comprehensive yet concise exploration of the topic while encouraging active participation. The session aims to spark actionable ideas and foster a collaborative spirit among attendees.

References
Balnaves, E., Bultrini, L., Cox, A., & Uzwyshyn, R. (2025). New horizons in artificial intelligence in libraries. De Gruyter Saur. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111336435

Cox, A. M., Pinfield, S., & Rutter, S. (2019). The intelligent library: Thought leaders’ views on the likely impact of artificial intelligence on academic libraries. Library Hi Tech, 37(3), 418–435. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-08-2018-0105

Hallam, G. (2022). Professional Pathways Frameworks Project Technical Report: Overview. ALIA. https://read.alia.org.au/sites/default/files/documents/alia_professional_pathways_overview_technical_report_2022.pdf

Harisanty, D., Anna, N. E. V., Putri, T. E., Firdaus, A. A., & Noor Azizi, N. A. (2025). Is adopting artificial intelligence in libraries urgency or a buzzword? A systematic literature review. Journal of Information Science, 51(2), 511-522. https://doi.org/10.1177/01655515221141034

Pimentel, M. Carolos, J., & Palomino, V., (2024). Generative AI Solutions for Enhancing Knowledge Management: A Literature Review and Roadmap. Proceedings of the 25th European Conference on Knowledge Management, https://doi.org/10.34190/eckm.25.1.2770

Whiteside, N., Cooper, V., Vo-Tran, H., Tait, E., & Bachmann, B. (2022). Digital Literacy Programs in Support of Diverse Communities – An Australian Public Library Approach. JALIA, 71(4), 388–407. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2022.2115573