5th IFLA Symposium on Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence and Robots Transforming Libraries
Draft Programme
Midland Tours (Please click here to view the tours)
| Time | Programme Item |
| 09:30 – 10:00 | Registration |
| 10:00 – 13:00 | Midlands Tours |
| 13:00 – 13:30 | Lunch on tour (packed lunch provided by Hotel) |
| 13:30 – 15:30 | Midlands Tours continue |
| 15:30 – 17:00 | UKZN Pietermaritzburg campus Library, Special Collections and Archives tour |
| 17:00 | Return to Golden Horse Casino Hotel |
Official Opening and Workshop
| Time | Programme Item |
| 08:30 – 09:15 | Registration and Tea. |
Master of Ceremonies: Mr. Selvan Pillay, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). | |
| 09:15 – 09:20 | National Anthem. |
| 09:20 – 09:25 | Director of Library Services, UKZN to introduce DVC Research and Innovation, UKZN. |
| 09:25 – 09:40 | Welcome Address – Professor Anil Chuturgoon, DVC Research and Innovation, UKZN |
| 09:40 – 09:45 | Introduction – Dr. Nonhlanhla Ngcobo, Library Services Director, UKZN. |
| 09:45 – 10:00 | Address by Professor Cory Lampert, IFLA IT Section Chair. |
| 10:00 – 10:15 | Address by Charlie Molepo, LIASA President. |
| 10:15 – 10:35 | Tea Break |
| 10:35 – 10:50 | Address by Mr. A. Bellengere: UKZN Library Services Advisory Committee Chair. |
| 10:50 – 11:15 | Zulu Traditional Dance Group. |
| 11:15 – 11:55 | Guest Speaker: Mr. MUSA E. ZULU. |
| 11:55 – 12:00 | Robot Launch. |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 – 15:00 | Workshop Title: Human-Centered AI: Rethinking library services with empathy. Hosted by Santiago Villegas-Ceballos, Director, Medejean Cultura Digital, Colombia. Please note: Participants are required to bring their laptops as the second part of the workshop will be a hands-on practical session. |
| 15:00 – 15:20 | Tea Break |
| 15:20 – 17:20 | Workshop Continues: Human-Centered AI: Rethinking Library Services with Empathy. Hosted by: Mr. Santiago Villegas-Ceballos, Director, MedeJean – Cultural Intelligence, Colombia. |
| 18:00 – 22:00 | Cocktail Function hosted by His Worship the Mayor of Msunduzi Municipality, Councillor Mzimkhulu Thebolla. |
Conference Presentations
:
| Time | Programme Item |
| 08:30 – 9:00 | Registration and Tea |
| Programme Director: TBA | |
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Keynote Address Speaker: Mr. Isak Van der Walt, University of Pretoria. |
| Session 1: AI in Academic Libraries and Advancement of the SDGs. Moderator: Ms. Nthabiseng Kotsokoane, University of the Free State. | |
| 09:30 – 09:50 | Artificial Intelligence in Academic Libraries: Opportunities and Challenges – Mr. Abdul Kadir Salifu (Tamale College of Education, Ghana). |
| 09:50 – 10:10 | Usability of Artificial Intelligence for the provision of information services at an academic Library in South Africa – Ms. Phuti Concilia Rabatseta (North-West University, South Africa), Dr Mashilo Modiba ( University of South Africa,) and Prof Patrick Ngulube (University of South Africa). |
| 10:10 – 10:30 | Tea Break |
| 10:30 – 10:50 | Artificial Intelligence in Peru: Social Impact and Challenges in Education to Achieve SDG 4 and SDG 10 – Ms. Paola Morales by Paola Ascención-Morales and Ms. Grace Cortez- Ruvnoch (Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Peru). |
| 10:50 – 11:10 | The use of AI and Automation in Transforming Scholarly Communication Services and Leverage SDGs – Ms Rosina Ramokgola (University of Pretoria, South Africa). |
| 11:10 – 11:50 | Panel Discussion: AI and SDGs: Moderator: Professor Cory Lampert – University of Nevada and IFLA IT Section Chair. Panelists:
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| Session 2: AI and LIS Education Moderator: Prof Ruth Hoskins – Teaching and Learning, College of Humanities, UKZN, South Africa. | |
| 11:50 – 12:10 | Library education and the rise of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning – Dr Nthabiseng Mosala-Bryant (Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa) |
| 12:10 – 12:30 | From Know-What to Know-Why: Towards Integrating an AI Literacy Program into the LIS Curriculum – Dr Lynn Kleinveldt (University of the Fraser Valley, Canada) |
| 12:30 – 12:50 | Proposed Curriculum for Library and Information Science (LIS) education to meet the emerging Trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Ms. Chitundu Precious Chisunka and Prof. Zawedde Nsibirwa (University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) |
| 12:50 – 13:10 | AI in Our Libraries: Transforming Knowledge, Access, and Innovation – Ms. Neesha Ramsumar (Universal Knowledge Software, South Africa) |
| 13:10 – 14:00 | Lunch |
| Session 3: Exhibitor Presentations Moderator: Dr Nonhlanhla Ngcobo, Library Services, UKZN. | |
| 14:00 – 14:50 | Exhibitor Presentations |
| 14:00 – 14:10 | Universal Knowledge Software (UKS) |
| 14:10 – 14:20 | Elsevier |
| 14:20 – 14:30 | Clarivate |
| 14:30 – 14:40 | Sabinet |
| 14:40 – 14:50 | EBSCO |
| 14:50 – 15:50 | Panel Discussion: AI and Libraries Moderator: Prof Stephen Mutula, School of Management, IT and Governance, UKZN. |
| 14:50 – 15:00 | Don’t just rely on AI! Components that Make up Great Search and Results for Users – Ms Bronwyn Rassmann (EBSCO, South Africa). |
| 15:00 – 15:20 | Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Learning Analytics into Academic Libraries for resource optimisation in South Africa – Ms. Neli Tshabalala (Northwest University, South Africa) and Dr. Mashilo Modiba (University of South Africa, South Africa) |
| 15:20 – 15:40 | Moderated Discussion |
| 15:40 – 15:50 | Audience Q&A |
| 15:50 – 16:10 | Break |
| 16:10 – 17:20 | Lightning Talks Moderator: Ms. May Chang, University of Cincinnati and IFLA IT Section Mentor. |
| 1. Artificial Intelligence in Library Services: Advancements, Challenges, and Bias in Large Language Models in South Africa – Ms. Karina Chetty- (UKZN, South Africa) | |
| 2. Case Study: AI – Meeting the Challenges, Creating Opportunities: The University of Edinburgh Experience – Dr. Elizabeth Williams (University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom) | |
| 3. Beyond Boolean: Student Perception of Generative AI-Assisted Literature Reviews – Mr. Sixolile Nkonyeni ( University of Johannesburg, South Africa) and Ms. Ivy Segoe (University of Johannesburg, South Africa) | |
| 4. Evaluating AI-Generated Prompts for Enhancing Library Services: A Comparative Study of ChatGPT and Copilot – Mr. Maropene Ramabina (North-West University, South Africa) | |
| 5. Black at The Ascots: Missing Histories and Contemporary Realities of Black People “Doing Nice Things” – Dr. Sireita Mullings (University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom) and Dr Elizabeth Williams (University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom) | |
| 6. Power Automate: Enhancing Workflows in Institutional Repository Management – Mr. Cecil Ntobeko Gasa and Ms. Neli Tshabalala (North-West University, South Africa) | |
| Audience Q&A | |
| 17:20 – 17:40 | Wrap-Up Discussion: IFLA IT Section, Ms. May Chang |
Conference Presentations
| Time | Programme Item |
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Registration and Tea |
| Programme Director: TBA | |
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Keynote Address Speaker: Mr. Santiago Villegas-Ceballos, Director, MedeJean – Cultural Intelligence, Columbia. |
Session 4: Ethics, Policies and Frameworks in AI Moderator: TBA | |
| 09:30 – 09:50 | The Ethical Dimension of Information Society and the Quest for Open Science – Professor Stephen Mutula |
| 09:50 – 10:10 | Towards a Framework for Application of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Thomas Mofolo Library – Professor Wole Michael Olatokun (National University of Lesotho, Lesotho) |
| 10:10 – 10:30 | Tea Break |
| 10:30 – 10:50 | Ethical Use of AI in Higher Education: Student Perspectives from the University of the Western Cape – Mr Andrew E. Ennis (University of the Western Cape, South Africa). |
| 10:50 – 11:50 | Panel Discussion: Ethical Considerations in AI for Scholarly Moderator: TBA |
| 10:50 – 11:00 | Professor Donrich Thaldar, School of Law, UKZN |
| 11:00 – 11:10 | Professor Stephen Mutula, School of Management, IT and Governance, UKZN |
| 11:10 – 11:20 | Mr. Andrew E. Ennis, University of Western Cape, South Africa |
| 11:20 – 11:40 | Moderated Discussion |
| 11:40 – 11:50 | Audience Q&A |
| Session 5: AI Adoption and Skills Development in Libraries Moderator: TBA | |
| 11:50 – 12:10 | Upskilling for the Next Generation of Research Support: AI, Robotics, and Digital Transformation at the forefront, the University of Pretoria Library case – Mr Chipa Maimela; Mr Lathola Mchunu and Mr Thulani Mahlangu (University of Pretoria, South Africa). |
| 12:10 – 12:30 | Artificial Intelligence as Enabler of Quality Services Delivery: A Call for Digital Skill Development Among Information Professionals in African Libraries – Dr Oyemike Victor Benson, Friday Iheke Udensi and Patience Chisa Njoku (Federal Polytechnic, Nikede- Owerri, Nigeria). |
| 12:30 – 12:50 | The Fifth Law of Ranganathan and Implications for Information Science in a Technologically-Driven World: Addressing the Anxieties of the Artificial Intelligence Era – Dr Emmanuel A. Oduagwu, Oyemike Victor Benson and Chiatu Matilda Oduagwu (Federal Polytechnic, Nikede-Owerri, Nigeria). |
| 12:50 – 13:10 | Contextual Hurdles in AI Adoption: Insights from Zimbabwean University Libraries – Professor Vusumuzi Maphosa (National University of Science and Technology), Rosemary Maturure (Africa University) and Notice Pasipamire (National University of Science and Technology), Zimbabwe. |
| 13:10 – 13:30 | Artificial Intelligence Tools in Data Visualization and Business Intelligence for Electronic Resources in Namibian Academic Libraries – Ms. Frieda Henok and Ms. Helena Nambili (University of Namibia, Namibia). |
| 13:30 – 14:30 | Lunch |
| Session 6: AI-Driven Library Services and User Engagement Moderator: TBA | |
| 14:30 – 14:50 | Library Services in a digital age: Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Research Assistant in Library Services: The University of Johannesburg Experience – Mr. Omesh Jagarnath and Dr Gertruida Elizabeth du Toit (University of Johannesburg, South Africa). |
| 14:50 – 15:10 | Repurposing Library Service Delivery in the Digital Age: Harnessing AI Technologies for Enhanced User Experience – Ms. Monica Chatikobo and Dr Blessing Chiparausha (Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe). |
| 15:10 – 15:30 | Enhanced Services and User Engagement: Prompt Engineering for Librarians – Ms. Anelisa Mente-Mpako and Mr. Janusz Skarzynski and Mr. Sylvester Jeffries (University of the Western Cape, South Africa). |
| Session 7: AI-Driven Transformation in Libraries Moderator: TBA | |
| 15:30 – 15:50 | Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Required to Improve Metadata Services in Libraries at Institutions of Higher Education in Namibia – Ms. Tissa Magano Titus and Dr Mashilo Modiba (University of South Africa). |
| 15:50 – 16:10 | Riding the Artificial Intelligence Avalanche: Academic Libraries Navigating Disruption – A Review – Ms Biziwe Tembe (Vaal University of Technology, South Africa); Ms. Nomonde Dos Santos (University of Mpumalanga Libraries) and Ms Sanele Kunene (Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa). |
| 16:10 – 16:30 | Transforming Education: AI Integration as a Catalyst for Innovation in School Libraries – Mr. Hosea Tokwe (Midlands State University, Zimbabwe). |
| 16:30 – 16:50 | Emerging Trends, Patterns, and Complexities Surrounding AI Integration in Southern African Academic Libraries: A Bibliometric Analysis – Mr. Lungile Mdanyana and Dr Samuel S Ncoyini (Walter Sisulu University, South Africa). |
| 16:50 – 17:10 | Smart Libraries: Prospects and Challenges of Using AI Applications in Libraries in African Countries – Vengesai Petronella Garande (Harare institute of Technology, Zimbabwe). |
| 17:10 – 17:20 | Wrap-up Discussion and Reflections: IFLA IT Section Chair: Professor Cory Lampert |
| 18:30 – 21:30 | South African Braai at Ascot Inn Bush Lodge |
Conference Presentations (Half Day)
| Time | Programme Item |
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Registration and Tea |
| Programme Director: TBA | |
| Moderator: Ms. Nthabiseng Kotsokoane | |
| 09:00 – 10:00 | Topic: Voices of Associations: Commitment to Responsible AI (Panel Discussion & Open Forum: LIASA, IFLA SSARD, AFLIA, IFLA IT Section and AI SIG) |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Vision 2030: Presentation by Professor Cory Lampert and Ms. Lindy Nhlapo |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Tea Break |
| 11:00 – 11:20 | Wrap-up Debriefing – Ms. May Chang |
| 11:20 – 11:30 | Participants Commitment to Responsible AI – Dr. Nonhlanhla Ngcobo |
| 11:30 – 12:00 | Closing Remarks & Vote of Thanks– Dr. Nonhlanhla Ngcobo, UKZN Library Services Director and Professor Cory Lampert, IFLA IT Section Chair |
| 12:00 | Lunch and Departure |
| Additional Activities: | |
| 13:00 – 17:00 | Optional Tour: KwaMuhle Museum & Killie Campbell Library This is a limited-seats tour post the AI conference, taking you to Durban’s historical museums to learn about the rich history of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. Please note that this tour incurs a charge as it is not part of the AI conference package. The fee for this tour is ZAR500. |