The University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka hosted its 14th International Conference on October 29, 2024, at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The conference, theme was "Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizing Library Services: Challenges and Opportunities", that explored the profound impact Artificial Intelligence (AI) having on library services, addressing both the challenges and opportunities arising from this technological evolution. Dr. Mohamed Majeed Mashroofa, President of the University Librarians Association 2023/24 Chaired the Conference. The Hon. (Dr) Harini Amarasuriya, The Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Her esteemed presence at the proceedings added value to ICULA 2024. Along with her, the Guests of Honour Senior Prof. Wasantha Kumara, Vice-Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Prof. (Mrs.) G.A.S. Ginigaddara, Chairperson of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Directors (CVCD), and, Dr. U.L. Abdul Majeed, Acting Vice Chancellor of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, also graced the occasion. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Nuwan Kodagoda, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology(SLIIT).
This remarkable event brought together international experts, academicians and local professionals in the field of Library and Information Sciences to chart a course for the future of library services in the AI era. We received 25 manuscripts aligned with the conference theme from both national and international delegates. Following a rigorous review process, 15 papers, including two lead papers, were selected for publication. The conference aimed to highlight key topics such as AI-driven library services, AI literacy, ethical implications of AI integration in academic settings, and the role of libraries in countering misinformation in the digital age. Researchers and professionals presented their papers on topics ranging from AI literacy among postgraduate students to the ethical complexities of authorship in AI-generated catalogue records.
Proceedings of ICUAL 2024 were launched in the presence of the Hon. Prime Minister, whoawarded certificates for the prize winners of the Video competition conducted by ULA among undergraduates of state universities and school children.
The conference was an energetic platform for exchanging ideas, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that libraries continue to evolve and meet the demands of the digital age while maintaining their core mission of promoting knowledge and learning.
