Dr. Mousa Rababa’a, Acting President of Yarmouk University and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center of Excellence in Library Services for Jordanian Public Universities, sponsored the opening of the Center’s first conference, titled "Smart Libraries: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Academic Environments."
In his opening speech, Dr. Rababa’a said that holding this conference stems from the urgent need imposed by present challenges and future aspirations, in order to reaffirm and reshape the role of libraries as the beating heart of the university and the primary source of knowledge. He pointed out that the conference combines the essence of heritage with a vision for the future—bringing together the legacy of libraries, which over centuries has shaped the memory of human civilization, with the horizons of artificial intelligence that herald a new era where technology intertwines with human creativity to shape a brighter tomorrow.
He emphasized that amid the rapid technological transformation, the role of libraries is no longer limited to preservation and cataloging. With the technology revolution accelerating and knowledge multiplying at an astonishing pace, it is no longer sufficient for libraries to remain mere book repositories or reference centers. Rather, they must transform into smart, dynamic spaces—alive with data, attuned to researchers’ needs, and open to limitless horizons of knowledge.
Rababa’a affirmed that the conference represents a moment of reflection on our shared responsibility in how to utilize new technological tools to serve science and humanity— how to make them a means of broadening students’ horizons, enhancing researchers’ capabilities, and supporting academic environments to become more vibrant and innovative.
He stressed that the greatest challenge lies not in merely possessing technology, but in using it effectively; not in acquiring smart systems, but in integrating them into the very philosophy of education and research. He emphasized the necessity of everyone’s combined efforts to develop a comprehensive strategy that makes university libraries leading platforms for creativity, incubators of innovation, and centers of intellectual illumination.
Rababa’a called on the conference participants to formulate practical recommendations and initiatives that contribute to building smart libraries worthy of our universities and placing them among the world’s leaders. He urged that this gathering be the beginning of fruitful scientific partnerships and pioneering academic projects, affirming that when knowledge meets artificial intelligence, it sparks a true renaissance and opens doors that never close to human creativity.
Dr. Hindi Abdullah Hindi from Egypt delivered a speech on behalf of the participants, emphasizing that discussing smart university libraries is no longer a choice but a necessity. He highlighted that artificial intelligence and modern technologies play a vital role in developing information services and managing knowledge.
He noted that libraries are no longer just places to store books; they have become interactive environments that employ artificial intelligence, big data analysis, and personalized services for users. This transformation, he said, improves the quality of education and research. He added that libraries serve as the bridge that connects students and researchers to information quickly and accurately.
Hindi stressed that the future of Arab libraries depends on the ability to cooperate and integrate, as well as on investing in both human and technological resources, to build smart libraries capable of serving nations and future generations.
On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Rababa’a officially opened an art exhibition organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts, which included a collection of artworks created by the faculty’s students.
The first day of the conference included three scientific sessions that addressed various topics, such as: the application of artificial intelligence in the operations and services of library and information institutions; digital libraries—their current realities and prospective challenges; forward-looking visions to enhance the role of smart libraries in academic environments; successful experiences in the digital transformation of libraries in educational institutions; and the strategic obstacles and practical challenges in digitizing Algerian university libraries, with a view toward a future vision.
The sessions also explored the effectiveness of artificial intelligence applications in Islamic sciences resources from the perspective of specialists in the field, and the challenges faced by libraries in applying AI technologies in Libyan universities, from the viewpoint of staff at the Central Library of the University of Benghazi.
During the first day, a workshop was also held under the title: "How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future of Academic Resources."
It is worth noting that the conference is being held over two days, with the participation of 43 researchers from seven Arab countries: Iraq, Morocco, Algeria, Yemen, Libya, Egypt, and Jordan.
