Department of Library and Information Science at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Holds Guest Lecture on AI-Based Smart Libraries and Modern Data Management

Yogyakarta (June 18th, 2026) – The Department of Library and Information Science (LIS), UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, reaffirmed its commitment to preparing graduates capable of responding to rapid technological change by organizing a Guest Lecture entitled “Building AI-Based Smart Libraries and Modern Data Management.” The event was held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Theatrical Room of the UPT Library, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, and was attended by faculty members, students of the Department of Library and Information Science, and participants interested in the future of library and information services.

The guest lecture was designed to enrich students’ academic experience by providing opportunities to engage directly with experts in library management, artificial intelligence (AI), and modern data management. As digital transformation continues to reshape the information landscape, higher education institutions are increasingly expected to equip future information professionals with the knowledge and competencies required to thrive in technology-driven environments. Recognizing this need, the Department organized the event as part of its ongoing efforts to bridge academic learning with current professional practices.

Opening the event, M. Ainul Yaqin, M.Ed., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, emphasized that advances in AI and digital technologies have fundamentally transformed the ways information is created, managed, disseminated, and accessed. Consequently, universities have a significant responsibility to ensure that graduates possess not only strong disciplinary knowledge but also the digital competencies necessary to address contemporary challenges.

In his remarks, Dr. Ainul Yaqin explained that the guest lecture aimed to broaden students’ understanding of AI implementation in libraries, library service automation, and modern data management. More importantly, students were encouraged to develop the ability to utilize emerging technologies critically, ethically, and responsibly.

“Digital transformation has significantly changed the landscape of library and information services. Therefore, Library and Information Science students should not only master the fundamental principles of librarianship but also develop competencies in information technology, modern data management, and the application of Artificial Intelligence to improve library services,” he stated.

He further noted that the concept of a Smart Library extends far beyond the adoption of sophisticated technologies. Rather, it represents the development of an integrated information ecosystem in which people, data, technologies, and services work together to provide faster, more personalized, efficient, and user-centered library services. According to him, Smart Libraries should serve as dynamic learning environments that continuously adapt to technological advancements and evolving user expectations.

The guest lecture featured two distinguished speakers with extensive expertise in their respective fields. The first speaker, Hary Supriyatno, S.Ag., M.Pd., M.SIP., serves as Secretary of the Library of UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, while the second speaker, Dr. Syifaun Nafisah, M.T., is a faculty member at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta specializing in information technology and digital innovation. The discussion was moderated by Thoriq Tri Prabowo, M.IP., Ph.D., a lecturer in the Department of Library and Information Science at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, who facilitated an engaging and interactive dialogue throughout the event.

During the first session, Hary Supriyatno discussed the evolution of libraries toward the Smart Library paradigm. He explained that Smart Libraries leverage digital technologies, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, data analytics, and service automation to improve operational efficiency and enhance user experiences.

He emphasized that the successful implementation of Smart Libraries is not merely about acquiring advanced technologies, but about fostering an innovative organizational culture that enables libraries to respond effectively to changing societal needs. According to him, future libraries should function as adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable knowledge ecosystems capable of supporting lifelong learning and digital transformation.

“The implementation of Smart Libraries means creating an adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable knowledge ecosystem. Technology should be viewed as a tool to strengthen library services rather than as the ultimate goal of transformation,” he explained.

He also encouraged students to prepare themselves for the changing roles of librarians, which increasingly require expertise in data analysis, information systems, digital literacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As libraries continue to evolve, future professionals will be expected to combine traditional librarianship with technological innovation and strategic decision-making.

In the second session, Dr. Syifaun Nafisah explored the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing information technology and artificial intelligence in libraries. She explained that AI offers tremendous potential to improve service efficiency, accelerate information processing, support evidence-based decision-making, and enhance user engagement.

However, she cautioned that technology adoption should never be driven solely by trends or by the desire to appear technologically advanced. Instead, successful implementation requires careful planning, adequate institutional readiness, sufficient human resource capacity, and a clear understanding of organizational needs.

“The implementation of information technology in libraries should not be treated as a technological trend. It must be supported by adequate knowledge, sufficient resources, professional competencies, and comprehensive planning. Otherwise, technology adoption may result in unnecessary expenditures of time, financial resources, and institutional energy,” she emphasized.

Dr. Nafisah further highlighted that artificial intelligence should be regarded as a tool that empowers librarians rather than replaces them. Human expertise remains indispensable in evaluating information, ensuring ethical standards, making professional judgments, and delivering high-quality information services. Therefore, investment in human capacity development should accompany technological innovation.

The discussion session that followed demonstrated the participants’ enthusiasm and growing interest in digital transformation within libraries. Students actively raised questions regarding AI-powered reference services, automated cataloging systems, institutional repositories, data security, ethical issues surrounding AI applications, and the future competencies required of information professionals. The lively interaction reflected students’ awareness of the significant changes taking place in the library and information profession.

Through this guest lecture, the Department of Library and Information Science expects students to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving information ecosystem in the era of AI-based Smart Libraries. The program also aims to strengthen students’ competencies in managing, analyzing, and utilizing library data effectively while encouraging them to optimize AI technologies, big data, and modern information systems to develop innovative and user-centered library services.

Ultimately, the event reflects the Department’s continuing commitment to providing learning experiences that respond to advances in science, technology, and society. By bringing together experienced practitioners and distinguished academics, the Department seeks to produce graduates who are not only well grounded in the principles of library and information science but also equipped with advanced digital competencies, critical thinking skills, ethical awareness, and the professional readiness required to lead innovation in libraries and information institutions in the era of digital transformation.