The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar IITGN recently hosted the 3rd International Conference on Changing Landscape of Science and Technology Libraries CLSTL 2025, bringing together 175 participants including library science professionals, researchers, industry experts, policymakers, and IT specialists from India, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, England, Germany, and other countries. Building on the success of its first edition in 2017 and the second in 2019, CLSTL 2025 reinforced its position as a leading platform for library innovation. This year’s theme, “Enhancing Library Experiences with Artificial Intelligence,” highlighted the integration of AI and emerging technologies to transform library management, user engagement, and research support services.
The conference featured two pre-conference workshops attended by 125 participants. AI for Libraries: Building Applications for Search, Chatbots, and Archiving was facilitated by Prof Mayank Singh, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IITGN, while AI-Powered Search in Libraries: A Crash Course for Library Professionals was led by Mr Aaron Tay and Ms Bella Ratmelia from Singapore Management University. These workshops provided participants with hands-on experience in AI applications relevant to modern library services.
The inaugural session included an overview by Dr T S Kumbar, Advisor, Library and Institute Archives, IITGN. Prof Chetan Pahlajani, Chair of Senate Library Committee, highlighted the IITGN Library’s support for research, while Chief guest Dr Devika Madalli, Director INFLIBNET, lauded the adaptability of library professionals to emerging technologies. Prof Vimal Mishra, Dean R&D, emphasized the role of libraries in preserving indigenous knowledge and fostering reading habits, drawing from his global experience. Dr Kannan, Librarian IITGN, proposed the vote of thanks.
Four keynote addresses set the academic tone of the conference. Prof Anirban Dasgupta, IITGN, spoke on “Artificial Intelligence: Past, Present and Future,” followed by Prof Andrew Cox, University of Sheffield, on “Three Information Professional Dilemmas Posed by Generative AI.” Mr Aaron Tay presented “Beyond the Buzzword: Decoding AI-Powered Search” and Dr A R D Prasad, DRTC, ISI Bangalore, addressed “Artificial Intelligence Applications in Library and Information Services: Road Ahead.”
Ten technical sessions featured 21 invited talks, 17 presentations, and nine poster presentations covering emerging technologies, generative AI applications, collection development, information retrieval, user engagement, research support, digital preservation, and instructional practices. Ethical and legal considerations were discussed alongside AI-driven operations. Creative activities under “Conversations Beyond” provided participants with opportunities for networking and relaxation.
A panel discussion on AI in libraries was moderated by Julia Gelfand, University of California-Irvine, with panelists Ms Dhanashree Date TCS Mumbai, Prof Nabi Hasan IIT Delhi, and Dr K Umeshareddy IISc Bengaluru, who shared insights on the evolving role of AI in libraries. In the concluding session, Dr Kannan welcomed participants, followed by a report from Dr Santosh C H, Central University Haryana. Chief guest Dr Jagdish Arora, Advisor NBA and former Director INFLIBNET, emphasized the need for AI adoption in library services, envisioning a 2030 AI-enhanced library. Prof Pratik Mutha, Dean Institutional Advancement, highlighted libraries as dynamic ecosystems that foster interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and innovation. Dr T S Kumbar concluded by noting participants gained hands-on experience, explored best practices, and saw demonstrations that can enhance library services, reinforcing CLSTL’s role as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The conference was held at IITGN’s state-of-the-art campus in Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, underscoring the institute’s commitment to research, innovation, and leveraging technology to enhance learning and scholarship.