Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Atilla Arkan, participated in the ANKOSLink 2025 meeting on Wednesday, November 5, with a comprehensive presentation addressing the future of university libraries and the artificial intelligence-supported research ecosystem. In his presentation titled "The Epistemic Transformation of Research: Library, Mind, and Artificial Intelligence," Prof. Arkan made important assessments on how artificial intelligence is reshaping scientific research and university libraries.
Prof. Arkan emphasized that every step of today's research processes, from topic selection to data analysis, literature review to publication, is now closely linked to artificial intelligence tools. He stated that AI-supported applications offer academics speed, efficiency, and personalized work opportunities; however, this situation also raises new ethical debates, data security issues, and risks, such as the potential weakening of creative thinking.
In his speech, Prof. Arkan particularly emphasized the need for robust institutional policies in areas such as transparency, bias, copyright, data privacy, and academic integrity, alongside the rapid increase in the use of artificial intelligence in the academic world. He stated that universities should assume a guiding role in this process.
The presentation noted that while artificial intelligence increases academic opportunities, it can also create new inequalities due to factors such as the digital divide, costs, and technology literacy; at this point, libraries play a strategic role in ensuring that all researchers can use technology equally.
Prof. Arkan emphasized that libraries are no longer just information providers; they have become data centers, learning ecosystems, and AI-supported research environments. As part of this transformation, he stated that the Ibn Haldun University Library offers AI consulting to researchers through innovative initiatives such as IHÜ LibGPT and LibAI Hub, and organizes events and training programs within the institution to develop AI literacy.
The presentation concluded with the prediction that university libraries will become centers that develop small language models, support academic publishing, offer data-driven services, and provide researchers with a comprehensive digital experience in the future.
Prof. Dr. Atilla Arkan's speech, which highlighted both the role of artificial intelligence in scientific research and the strategic position of university libraries, was met with great interest by ANKOSLink 2025 participants.
