New Horizons in Artificial Intelligence in Libraries

The conference attendance fee is €50 + credit card fees and optional tours. The fee includes conference attendance on the 21st and 22nd July, lunch, and the reception cruise on the 21st July. Attendees can register for an optional additional tour of the University on the 20th July.

The IFLA Information Technology (IT) Section in collaboration with the National University of Ireland Galway is delighted to call for proposals for a satellite conference in Galway, Ireland on the topic of Artificial Intelligence in libraries and information services.

There is increasing use of AI technologies in many aspects of library operations, including public and reference services, automated classification, customer service through chatbots and discovery systems. Vendors are adding elements of AI in library products including discovery and research platforms. IFLA recognises the importance of AI and the formation of a proposed AI SIG is currently under consideration.

The role and impact of AI present both opportunities and challenges. IT plays a significant role in the development and use of AI technologies, but its uses can have considerable impact and possible unintended consequences on library operations and services.

This in-person conference will provide an opportunity to explore AI, including practical implementation and opportunities on the horizon as well as the ethical, lack of transparency, and unconscious bias considerations. We are keen to see proposals that explore the important connections between the AI technologies and the operations and/or service side of all types of Libraries.