Rapid advances in information and computing technologies are driving innovation in libraries in many ways. Transformative technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), has already become part of everyday lives. Voice-enabled digital assistants (e.g., Google Assistant, Apple Siri, and Amazon Alexa Home), personalized and recommender systems (e.g., online book stores, Netflix, and web search engines), book delivery drones, chatbots, and robots are examples of AI-enabled services. These transformations are reshaping the way libraries provide value-added services, design facilities, and support users and the community.

Success in adopting new technologies, including AI, requires empowered leadership, inspiring communities, and user engagement.

The 2021 Conference will showcase innovative projects in AI in libraries, strategies for empowering communities and mitigating digital divides, and ways for empowering and maximizing user engagement in cultural contexts. The conference will provide a venue for scholars, educators, practitioners, and students to discuss innovative ideas, projects, research, pedagogy, and inquiry that will have impacts on formulating a collective vision and policy for adopting change at the local, regional, and national levels.