Northwestern University in Qatar will host the inaugural International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) IT Section Symposium in the Middle East, focusing on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries. This event, set for February 26-27, 2025, will bring together experts and librarians from around the world to explore AI’s potential in reshaping library services, academic research, and cultural preservation.
This symposium marks the inaugural joint event in the region, between IFLA’s Information Technology Section and the IFLA Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group. It will focus on AI’s role in library services, ethical implications, and cultural heritage preservation, including its potential in cataloging, personalized learning, and digital preservation in academic libraries.
“We are honored to host this important symposium at Northwestern Qatar, a space that has long championed innovation in education and research. Northwestern and Qatar’s growing focus on AI, combined with our commitment to advancing global education, makes NU-Q the ideal location for this important conversation,” said Marwan Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “This symposium will be crucial in facilitating discussions on AI’s vast potential to enhance libraries, particularly in the Global South, where unique challenges such as the digital divide and resource constraints call for innovative solutions that reflect our collaborative spirit and dedication to fostering positive change.”
Iman Khamis, director of the library at Northwestern Qatar, emphasized the importance of this event for both the regional and global library community. "As libraries continue to evolve, AI offers exciting new possibilities for improving how we serve our communities. This symposium provides a crucial opportunity to explore the diverse applications of AI in libraries and education, particularly in a region that is at the forefront of technological advancements,” she said.
“We are honored to host this important symposium at Northwestern Qatar, a space that has long championed innovation in education and research. Northwestern and Qatar’s growing focus on AI, combined with our commitment to advancing global education, makes NU-Q the ideal location for this important conversation.”
The two-day event will bring together thought leaders and practitioners from the Global South and beyond to explore key issues facing libraries in their local contexts. Aligning with the university’s core values of excellence, community, and collaboration, the event will feature two days of panel discussions, presentations, and networking sessions, focusing on the integration of AI in libraries.
The symposium will begin with an opening address by Khamis, welcome remarks from Dean Kraidy, and a keynote by Tan Huism, executive director of Qatar National Library, who will discuss the evolving role of libraries in fostering knowledge and adopting AI technologies.
The event will continue with 10 expert-led panels, each addressing a unique aspect of AI’s integration in library services. Topics will include the ethical implications of AI in libraries, the role of AI in improving information access, AI-driven data analysis for resource management, and the challenges libraries face when implementing AI in diverse cultural and geographical settings. Discussions will also explore AI’s potential to enhance user engagement, support multilingual resources, and build more personalized learning experiences in libraries across the Global South.
The symposium will conclude with a hands-on workshop by Khamis, where participants will build a book recommender system using Python. This interactive session will provide attendees with technical skills for creating AI-powered tools to improve library services and enhance user experiences.
For full program and registration, click here.
