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.
