On 6–8 October 2026, the International Scientific Conference “Library. Science. Communication. Innovations and Development on the Path to the Future” was held at V. I. Vernadskyi National Library of Ukraine (VNLU). The conference brought together Ukrainian and international researchers, as well as representatives of library, research and educational institutions, to discuss current issues in the development of the library and information sector, digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence, the preservation of documentary heritage and the advancement of scholarly communication.
The conference theme and the topics addressed during its sessions attracted considerable interest from a wide range of Ukrainian researchers, educators and library and information professionals, as well as participants from 11 foreign countries (China, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States).
The conference programme included a plenary session, 9 thematic sessions, 2 round tables and 2 scientific seminars. A total of 311 participants and 288 presentations were registered on the conference portal. Overall, 523 participants (including 231 online) were registered for the conference events. A total of 157 scientific papers and presentations were delivered, including 14 presentations by international participants and Ukrainian specialists representing Ukraine abroad.
The plenary session opened with a presentation by Lyubov Dubrovina, Director General of VNLU, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Historical Sciences and Professor, who shared the Library’s experience of operating amid the full-scale war and presented its Development Strategy for 2026–2030. Particular attention was given to the preservation and digitization of cultural heritage, the advancement of Open Science, research by VNLU scholars into artificial intelligence and its potential applications in the Library’s activities, and the promotion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among Library users.
The plenary session featured presentations by international speakers, including Andrew Cox (University of Sheffield, United Kingdom), Convenor of the Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA); Baiba Moļņika (National Library of Latvia); Joanna Piekarska (National Library of Poland); Jerzy Woźniakiewicz (Voivodeship Public Library in Kraków, Poland); and Charles Nzivo and Alex Nyaribo (Kenya National Library Service). The topics addressed included the development of reading culture, the enhancement of library professionals’ competencies, the digital transformation of libraries, the introduction of innovative services and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The international experience presented was of considerable interest to the Ukrainian library community, facilitating professional exchange and discussions on the prospects for applying contemporary approaches in Ukrainian libraries.
More information is available at the following links:
https://www.nbuv.gov.ua/node/7340