Practical Implementations of artificial intelligence in Public Libraries(14 August)
Practical Implementations of artificial intelligence in Public LibrariesIn conjunction with IFLA WLIC 2026 in Busan, Republic of Korea, the IFLA Public Libraries Section—in collaboration with the IFLA IT Section and other partners—is pleased to announce a satellite conference focused on the practical implementation of AI in public libraries. The program features an exclusive tour of the Seoul Outdoor Library.
| Theme | Practical Implementations of Artificial Intelligence in Public Libraries |
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| Date | Friday, 14 August 2026 / 10:00-16:00 |
| Venue | Seoul Metropolitan Government, 110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul |
| Spoken Language | English |
| Registration Fee | approx. 20 Euro / 20 USD / 25 AUD / KRW 43.000 |
| Keynote | |
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CEO & founder of Overdrive, Steve Potash "AI in the reading advisory function in the Libby app" |
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Dr. Kim Osman, Queensland University & co-author on the IFLA Trend Report "Community needs and AI literacy: research in progress" |
| Biographies: Dr Kim Osman is a Senior Research Associate at QUT’s Digital Media Research Centre and the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child. Her research focuses on improving the digital participation of families living on low incomes and other digitally excluded groups in Australia. She explores how community and social infrastructure like libraries can support parents and carers to develop digital media literacies and works with communities to develop evidence- and place-based responses to issues of digital inclusion. | |
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Director of Seoul Metropolitan Library, Ji Eun Oh "A New Strategy of Public Libraries in the Age of AI" |
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| Session 1 : Public libraries and AI implementations | |
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Bookan’s AI-powered Library Collaborative Service System Jason Sun, Director, Global Library Solutions, Hong Kong Magook Technology Limited (Bookan) |
| Biographies: Jason Sun serves as Global Solutions Director at Hong Kong Magook Technology Limited (Bookan). With over 30 years of extensive experience across IT research, development, and sales, he has been instrumental in designing and developing multiple library applications. A Peking University graduate, he is dedicated to delivering tailored digital and technical innovations to libraries worldwide. | |
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"From Library Data to Action: A Practical Hybrid AI Approach to Public Library Performance Monitoring — The Indonesian Case" Dr. Irhamni Ali, Lead Data Scientist, National Library of Indonesia |
| Biographies: Irhamni Ali is a Data Scientist at the National Library of Indonesia with over 20 years of experience in building and deploying machine learning systems at national scale. A Fulbright Scholar with a PhD in Information Science (Data Science concentration), he specializes in predictive modeling, NLP, large-scale data pipelines, and unsupervised learning. Irhamni has published research on national literacy programs and library analytics, and leads data-driven initiatives that inform policy and optimize library services across Indonesia. | |
| Session 2 : Public libraries and AI literacy | |
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"From Government to Communities: Delivering AI Literacy Through Public Libraries in Estonia" Kristi Veber, President of the Estonian Librarians Association |
| Biographies: Kristi Veeber is the President of the Estonian Librarians’ Association and a member of the Standing Committee of the IFLA Public Libraries Section. In her daily work as a Development Manager at Tallinn Libraries in Estonia, she focuses on improving library services, accessibility, and staff skills. Her goal is to make libraries more modern, open, and welcoming for everyone. She has taken part in many projects that support digital literacy and the development of e-services. She also promotes the importance of libraries as a key part of people’s well-being, strong communities, and a sustainable society. | |
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"Exploring generative and conversational AI in the national library" Celonie Rozema, AI researcher, National Library of the Netherlands |
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| Panel | TBA |
| Reception&tour | Seoul Metropolitan Library and Seoul Outdoor Library Tour with Reception |
 BUS |
A short walk from City Hall Station (Lines 1 & 2, Exit 5) or Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2, Exit 1-1). |
 METRO |
Seoul Plaza Bus Stop (Bus Routes 172, 405, 472) and City Hall Front Bus Stop (Bus Routes 401, 402, 406). |
We’re looking forward to exploring
the exciting possibilities of AI in public libraries together with you!
If you would like to participate in the satellite meeting,
please register through the link below.
(A small fee will be charged at the time of registration.
This fee will cover the cost of lunch provided to participants during the meeting.)
