The National Library Service (NLS) has announced its first-ever conference, titled “The Future of Libraries: Embracing Technology, Strengthening Community Engagement, and Sustaining Development in a Digital Era.” Scheduled for February 20, 2026, the event will be held at the Hilton Barbados Resort. This groundbreaking symposium aims to address the evolving role of libraries in the Caribbean, focusing on digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and community engagement. The timing is significant, as it coincides with the National Year of Reading 2026 and precedes the NLS’s 180th anniversary in 2027, highlighting the dual importance of preserving cultural heritage and advancing technological innovation. Jennifer Yarde, Director of the NLS, emphasized the need for Caribbean libraries to lead discussions on digital preservation while adopting cutting-edge technologies. The conference will bring together library professionals, archivists, educators, researchers, and tech experts to exchange ideas and develop strategies for modern information management. A key feature of the event is a call for scholarly papers addressing critical issues such as AI integration, digital inclusivity, and the preservation of Caribbean cultural identity. Selected submissions will undergo peer review and be included in the official proceedings, contributing to the advancement of library and information science. The symposium will explore six core themes: AI and emerging technologies, inclusive digital library design, community outreach, e-libraries, cultural preservation, and the integration of archives and libraries. Interested participants are invited to submit 300-word abstracts by November 18, 2025, with full papers due by December 15, 2025. Details on submissions and registration are available on the NLS’s social media platforms. The NLS encourages all stakeholders to join this transformative event and contribute to shaping the future of libraries.
Call for paper submissions as regional symposium on the future of libraries to be facilitated by National Library Service
