Professor Martin Delivers Thought-provoking Keynote Address on the Future of Libraries

The 53rd Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean University, Research and  Institutional Libraries (ACURIL) kicked off yesterday at the Pegasus Hotel Kingston in  Georgetown, Guyana. The event, themed “From Metadata to Big Data: Trends and Hidden  Treasures in Libraries, Museums, and Archives in the Caribbean,” started on a high note with a  captivating keynote speech by Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice-Chancellor of the  University of Guyana. 

Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin captivated the audience with her address: “Bibliofutures:  Reflections on Technology and the Future of Libraries.” Reflecting on her own journey and the  pivotal role libraries have played in her life, Professor Mohamed Martin emphasised the  indispensable role of libraries in one’s academic pursuits.

Recognising the importance of libraries as repositories of knowledge, Professor Mohamed Martin emphasised the need for better support for libraries in the region. She urged attendees to push for  the return and sharing of important documents and items relevant to Caribbean countries, to ensure  the preservation of the region’s heritage. 

During her speech, the Vice-Chancellor also discussed some new technologies that libraries can  use to stay modern. She talked about AI-powered chatbots that can answer questions anytime,  virtual reality tours of historical sites, and using sensors in library materials and shelves to keep  track of inventory. She also mentioned 3D printing services and biometric authentication to make  browsing and resource access easier. She encouraged librarians to adapt to the evolving landscape,  embracing cutting-edge skills and emerging technologies.  

The Vice-Chancellor shed light on the intersection of technology, data, and ethics in library  sciences while highlighting the importance of diversity in data for accuracy and representation.  She warned about biases in the system while speaking on the difficulty of finding information on  intellectuals from Guyana and the Caribbean through applications such as ChatGPT, among others. 

Dr Erick Toussaint, President of ACURIL, thanked the University of Guyana for organising the  conference and praised the country’s hospitality and the University’s dedication to advancing  scholarly dialogue in the Caribbean.

The conference features a line-up of esteemed speakers, promising interesting discussions on big  data, AI, ethics, and the future of libraries, museums, and archives in the Caribbean. 

Participants in this year’s conference will also get to enjoy guided tours around Georgetown,  including a visit to the National Library. Additionally, a cultural night will give them a chance to  experience Guyana’s rich culture and heritage.