University Libraries and Artificial Intelligence: The Turkish Experience

Developments in the field of artificial intelligence are affecting and transforming our lives socially, economically, culturally, scientifically, and educationally. One of the most significant aspects of this change and transformation, AI applications are not only being discussed in every field but are also producing impressive results. In this context, AI applications encompass both challenges and opportunities for higher education, scientific research, and academic libraries. With the rapid development of AI, the question of how academic libraries can use this new technology and provide better services to their users is one of the most important topics on the agenda of the Anadolu University Libraries Consortium (ANKOS), which represents all university libraries in Türkiye. ANKOS was established in 1999 with the aim of conducting joint efforts to ensure that libraries have access to more electronic information resources at the most suitable prices, to provide Turkish academics and students with the highest level of access to the global information network, and to increase the support of libraries in educational and research activities. Operating on a voluntary basis, ANKOS forms research groups to conduct research on specific topics according to the needs of the day and to share the researches with its members and the scientific world. In 2024, 19 University Librarians formed the “Artificial Intelligence Working Group” in order to help libraries keep pace with this change in AI and to contribute to the effective utilization of the opportunities offered by AI. This group's primary objectives were to assess the current state of AI in university libraries and among their staff in Türkiye, develop a draft AI policy and guidelines for university libraries, prepare a newsletter to promote information sharing and collaboration among libraries, and organize training sessions on the topic. In this context, a survey was conducted by ANKOS Artificial Intelligence Group with the participation of 111 library managers from 208 university libraries in Türkiye. Additionally, it has started publishing the ANKOS Artificial Intelligence Bulletin, which is issued every two months, to raise awareness among libraries about AI topics and to inform them about developments and studies in AI technologies and applications. In addition to these objectives, recognizing the need for an inclusive and guiding policy on AI technologies in libraries, a sample policy draft and guidelines have been developed for university libraries to utilize. Training sessions are also planned to increase librarians' competencies in AI. A poster was prepared within the scope of all the aforementioned studies. This poster provides useful information for researchers, librarians, and other interested parties wishing to learn about AI-related studies conducted in university libraries in Türkiye.