Voluntary Collaboration, Future Impact: AI Adoption in Turkish University Libraries

Abstract

Voluntary Collaboration, Future Impact: AI Adoption in Turkish University Libraries The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and its consequent transformation of library and information access processes have prompted the Anatolian University Libraries Consortium (ANKOS) to take action within university libraries in Türkiye. ANKOS, established in 1999, aims to enhance library access to electronic resources, support Turkish academics and students, and strengthen library roles in education and research activities. In 2024, ANKOS established an AI Research Group composed of 19 volunteer librarians to explore AI's potential in librarianship, increase awareness, and share best practices. The Group surveyed 111 library managers, drafted policies and guidelines related to AI, and published an e-newsletter. Additionally, they collaborated with publishers to organize events and training sessions. At Kadir Has University, which ranks in the top 1000 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, the Information Center (IC) has integrated AI into its offerings. In 2025, the IC added 9 AI tools to its collection, accessible via its GenAI-HUB. The GenAI-HUB is allocated within the library building for students who have completed designated AI courses on Coursera and received certificates. Additionally, the IC has developed guides and politics for ethical AI use, integrated AI literacy into orientation, and allocated resources for university courses.

This poster exemplifies the theme "Uniting Knowledge, Building the Future" by showcasing the proactive integration of Artificial Intelligence within Turkish university libraries, spearheaded by ANKOS and exemplified by Kadir Has University. ANKOS's initiative to establish an AI Research Group unites the knowledge and expertise of librarians to explore AI's transformative potential in information access. This collaborative effort directly addresses the theme's call for uniting diverse knowledge sources to enhance library services for academics and students who represent the future. The Research Group's national collaborations and endeavors constitute a tangible institutional application example at the Kadir Has University Library. Furthermore, the poster exemplifies the effects of voluntary collaborations within national and international partnerships on institutions. Kadir Has University's Information Center embodies the "Building the Future" aspect by equipping students with crucial AI competencies. The establishment of the GenAI-HUB, which provides certified students with access to AI tools, demonstrates a commitment to fostering AI literacy alongside traditional knowledge domains. Furthermore, developing ethical AI guidelines and integrating AI literacy into orientation underscore the University's dedication to instilling universal values within the context of technological advancement.