As part of the 62nd Library Week, the panel titled "Artificial Intelligence Units and Innovative Services in University Libraries", organized by the Directorate of Libraries and Documentation at Istanbul Bilgi University in collaboration with Ibn Haldun University, Kadir Has University, and MEF University, was held on March 31, 2026, with a large turnout.
Following the opening ceremony at 1:30 PM, the panel continued in two sessions.
First Session: Integration of Artificial Intelligence in University Libraries
Speakers in the session included:
During the first session, library administrators shared their experiences and institutional practices in response to four key questions posed by the moderator. Throughout the session, topics included "how the idea of establishing an artificial intelligence unit in the library emerged and which tools were used," "challenges encountered in artificial intelligence applications and the resolution processes," "the impact of artificial intelligence on library staff roles and new competency requirements in the near future," and "whether the possibility of a robot-operated, unmanned library will materialize."
Mr. Sönmez Çelik, Director of the Library Department at Ibn Haldun University, shared insights on how the IHU Library positions its AI tools, its user- and service-oriented approach, efforts to address encountered challenges, and his assessments regarding the future of librarianship within the framework of these questions. Other library administrators also shared their views on AI projects, implementation experiences, challenges, and future projections specific to their institutions, facilitating a comprehensive exchange of ideas regarding AI-based service innovation in university libraries.
Session Two: Students’ Experiences with Artificial Intelligence
In the panel’s second session, students who actively use the AI tools and applications developed in university libraries took the floor.
Students who spoke during the Lightning Talks:
Zeynep Mekselina Güneş, a student in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at IHU, delivered a presentation on how she uses AI-supported library services in her coursework, the conveniences these tools provide during research, and her user experience.
Event Closing and Energy Museum Tour
During the Q&A session, participants shared their views on the future of artificial intelligence in university libraries. The program concluded with an Energy Museum Tour that began at 4:00 PM.
The event served as an important gathering to strengthen collaboration among university libraries, develop new AI-focused services, and share user experiences.
