Libraries, accessibility and AI – three days of conversations in Kielce

Libraries, accessibility and AI – three days of conversations in Kielce

We have just returned from three intensive days in Kielce, where we took part in the 43rd Problem Conference of Medical Libraries, “The User at the Heart of Innovation in the Library”. From 14 to 16 September, we met at the University Library of Jan Kochanowski University with representatives of medical libraries, the academic community, and experts in medical and health sciences education.

Once again, Sages participated in the event, this time also as a sponsor. Above all, the conference gave us an opportunity to talk about how library users’ needs are changing, how new technologies affect access to knowledge, and the role artificial intelligence can play in this process.

Access to research resources – for people and AI

One of the programme’s highlights for us was a presentation by Dr Jakub Koperwas of Sages, titled “Two dimensions of access to research resources: people and AI”.

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Access to research information is increasingly difficult to consider solely in terms of whether a user can reach a specific publication or dataset. It is also becoming increasingly important how resources are described, organised and prepared for use by digital tools, including AI-powered solutions.

This intersection of two perspectives — people and technology — was the focus of the presentation. AI is increasingly becoming an intermediary between users and information, which means that the way research resources are made available and described affects not only whether people can find them, but also how they can be used by modern information systems.

The most important conversations often happen outside the conference room

However, a conference is not only about presentations and the official programme. Throughout all three days, we were also present at the Sages stand, which became a place for many engaging meetings and conversations with representatives of libraries and research institutions.

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We discussed solutions that support the day-to-day work of libraries and universities, the use of AI, digital accessibility, research information management, and the specific challenges institutions face today.

These conversations are especially valuable to us. They allow us to look at technology not only through the lens of what systems can do, but also through the real needs of the people who will later use those solutions. This year’s conference theme — “The User at the Heart of Innovation in the Library” — captured that perspective very well.

Three days of shared experience

We returned from Kielce with a wealth of knowledge, inspiration and topics that will certainly reappear in the coming months. The development of AI, access to research resources and changing user expectations mean that libraries are now at a particularly interesting point in their transformation.

We would like to thank all the participants and speakers for the meetings, questions and conversations at our stand.

We would like to extend special thanks to the team at the University Library of Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce for organising the event and creating a space for sharing knowledge and experience: Andrzej Antoniak – Director of the University Library in Kielce; Wioletta Kowalik – Deputy Director for Collection Development, Cataloguing and Access Services; Karolina Wicha – Deputy Director for Research Information, Innovation and Cooperation; and Ewelina Łojek – Conference Secretary.

Thank you for three days of valuable meetings. See you at future conferences!