On October 23, 2026, the National Economics University (NEU) will host the seminar “Libraries in the AI Era – Opportunities and Challenges,” creating a forum for academic exchange, experience sharing, and discussion of innovative solutions for library operations in response to the profound impacts of artificial intelligence. The seminar aims to promote digital transformation, enhance the quality of information services and learning resources, and strengthen connections and collaboration among university libraries in the new context.

Overview of the Seminar

Attending the seminar from the National Economics University were: Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh – Vice President of the University; Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat – Chairman of the Science & Training Council; MSc. Bui Thi Sen – Director of the Information and Library Center; along with representatives from various departments and divisions of the University; and a large number of staff, faculty members, and students.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh – Vice President of NEU delivering a speech

In his opening remarks at the seminar, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh – Vice President of the National Economics University emphasized that the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and digital technologies is profoundly changing the ways knowledge is created, organized, accessed, and utilized. Technological advancements not only offer opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of higher education, academic research, and knowledge management but also pose new demands regarding data reliability, intellectual property rights, academic ethics, personal information protection, and responsibility in technology application.

In this context, university libraries are facing the need for a significant transformation in their operational models, management methods, and service quality. Beyond their traditional functions of storing and providing materials, libraries must gradually affirm their role as critical knowledge infrastructure for higher education institutions, connecting learning resources and research data, and effectively supporting teaching, learning, and academic research activities. Additionally, libraries contribute to the development of a reading culture, enhance information literacy, digital literacy, and foster a creative and integrity-based academic environment.

For the National Economics University, digital transformation and the application of artificial intelligence are identified as crucial components in the development strategy, aligned with the goal of enhancing the quality of education, academic research, university governance, and community service. According to Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh, the core value of technology lies not in the tools themselves but in the ability to improve service quality for students and faculty, expand access to knowledge, enhance operational efficiency, and create more space for innovation and creativity.

In this spirit, the National Economics University aims to develop its library from a traditional material provision model into a modern, intelligent digital knowledge center, user-centered and operating on a foundation of reliable data. This is not only a technological change but also requires comprehensive innovation in the organization, management, and provision of information services and learning resources, meeting the increasingly high demands of higher education in the digital era.

Addressing the challenges in the application of AI, the Vice Director of the University stated that the implementation of technology in library operations needs to be synchronized with the innovation of operational processes, standardization and integration of data, development of digital learning resources, ensuring information security, and respecting intellectual property rights. Additionally, there is a need to establish principles for the responsible use of AI, ensuring that technology truly becomes a tool for supporting thought and knowledge discovery, rather than replacing human critical thinking, honesty, and responsibility in the academic environment.

Particularly in the digital transformation process, the library staff continues to play a pivotal role. Although technology may alter the methods of organizing and providing services, understanding user needs, the ability to evaluate information sources, advising on resource utilization, and ensuring information quality remain irreplaceable values. This necessitates that library staff continuously enhance their digital capabilities, data literacy, and understanding of AI, gradually shifting from the role of information providers to companions, supporting faculty members, researchers, and students in the process of searching, evaluating, and utilizing knowledge.

Emphasizing the significance of the Seminar, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Anh expressed the hope that the program will become a practical forum for exchange among managers, experts, scientists, and library staff regarding the opportunities, challenges, and issues arising from the practical application of artificial intelligence. Through sharing experiences, implementation models, and practical lessons, participants can propose solutions suitable to the conditions of each higher education institution, contributing to promoting the connection, collaboration, and sustainable development of the university library system.

Within the framework of the Seminar, participants focused on discussing issues facing university library operations in the AI era through three thematic presentations, approaching from practical perspectives, solutions to enhance operational efficiency, and technology application.

MSc. Nguyen Trung Kien – Deputy Director of the Information and Library Center at the National Economics University presented a paper

Opening the presentation session, MSc. Nguyen Trung Kien – Deputy Director of the Information and Library Center at the National Economics University presented a paper on the topic “The New Role of University Libraries in the AI Era – Practices at the National Economics University and Development Directions in Vietnam.” The presentation focused on the transformation of the university library’s role in response to technological changes, linked with the practical activities at the National Economics University and development directions for libraries in the new context.

MSc. Tran Thi Thuy Kieu – Director of the Information and Library Center at Nguyen Tat Thanh University presented a paper

Continuing the program, MSc. Tran Thi Thuy Kieu – Director of the Information and Library Center at Nguyen Tat Thanh University shared a paper titled “Solutions to Enhance the Operational Efficiency of Vietnamese University Libraries in the AI Era.” The content of the paper aimed at innovative solutions for library operations, improving management efficiency, and service quality in response to the demands of digital transformation and AI application.

Dr. Le Thi Thanh Hue – Director of the Library at Hanoi University presented a paper

From the perspective of technology application in professional activities, Dr. Le Thi Thanh Hue – Director of the Library at Hanoi University presented a paper on “AI Application in Communication Activities and Development of Digital Reading Spaces at Hanoi University Library.” The presentation addressed leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence to innovate library communication activities and develop digital reading spaces, contributing to expanding access to information and learning resources in the university environment.

The three presentations provided different perspectives on the role, operational methods, and development directions of university libraries in the AI era, while also raising practical issues regarding technology application, resource development, and enhancing the quality of information services.

Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat – Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council at the National Economics University moderated the discussion session

Following the presentation session, under the moderation of Prof. Dr. Tran Tho Dat – Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council of the National Economics University, the delegates continued to exchange and discuss the opportunities, challenges, and the necessity for innovation in library activities amidst the rapid development of artificial intelligence. The discussion session provided a platform for connection among managers, experts, scientists, and library staff, aiming to share practical experiences, promote collaboration, and seek solutions suitable for the conditions of each higher education institution.

The seminar is also a meaningful activity in the series of programs commemorating the 70th anniversary of the NEU Library’s tradition. Continuing the program, the delegates attended the 70th Anniversary Celebration of the Library’s Tradition at Hall A – Cultural House, reflecting on the journey of construction, development, and the contributions of generations of library staff to the university’s educational and academic research endeavors.

In the context of artificial intelligence shaping new methods in accessing and exploiting knowledge, the seminar “Libraries in the AI Era – Opportunities and Challenges” contributes to clarifying the need for innovation in university library activities towards modernity, intelligence, and user-centeredness. The discussions during the program serve as a basis for further promoting experience sharing, enhancing connectivity, and expanding collaboration, emphasizing the role of the library as a crucial knowledge infrastructure, accompanying the development of higher education and academic research in the digital era.

Article and photos: Communications Department