Call for Papers 

A Webinar Series for LIS Students

AI in Library Schools

The Webinar Series for LIS students aims to create a space for LIS students to share their research, projects and ideas on current and emerging topics in librarianship and information science. Each webinar addresses a specific theme. All events are held online and are open to everyone (no registration fees). It is a project by IFLAs Division C and the Section on Education and Training.

Webinar Theme:

AI in Library Schools

This webinar focuses on students’ experiences with artificial intelligence (AI) in LIS education. We invite contributions that reflect on how students use AI tools in their studies and how ethical frameworks can support responsible, safe and privacy-aware use of AI. We are especially interested in perspectives on what students need and use in order to use AI confidently, ethically and in ways that protect their personal data.

The webinar will open with a keynote by Iman Magdy Khamis with the title “Understanding the ethical Use of AI in Higher Education and Libraries”, followed by student presentations. Iman Magdy Khamis is a data scientist and director of the library at Northwestern Qatar. Prior to joining Northwestern Qatar, she worked at Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Iman’s research interests include machine learning and artificial intelligence in libraries.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

  • Ethical and responsible AI use in LIS education from a student perspective
  • Students’ experiences with privacy and data protection when using AI
  • AI-related courses in LIS schools and how students experience them
  • How LIS students use AI for studying, writing theses, and assignments
  • Policies, opportunities, and challenges of AI in LIS programs
  • Benefits and risks of AI in LIS education from a student viewpoint

Proposals can focus on students’ experiences, practical examples, case studies, research projects, or ideas for policies and frameworks.

Submissions

Library and Information Science students at all levels are encouraged to submit a proposal related to the theme. Proposals (in MS Word format) must include:

  • Name, title, institution and email address of the speaker(s)
  • A brief biographical statement for each speaker (maximum 100 words)
  • Title of the proposed presentation
  • An abstract highlighting its relevance to the theme (maximum 400 words)

Presentation Format

Presentations will be delivered online by the presenter in PowerPoint format.
Each presentation will last 15 minutes, including 5 minutes for questions and answers.

Accepted participants will receive a certificate from IFLAs Section on Education and Training for presenting at the webinar.

Submission Details & Important Dates

  • Deadline for submission is April 3rd 2026.
  • Three proposals will be accepted for presentation and the accepted participants will be notified by end of April 2026.
  • The webinar will be on 27th of May, the time will be announced shorty.

For further questions, please contact Susanne List-Tretthahn ([email protected]) and Marina Encheva (m.encheva@unibit.bg). 

Please send your proposals to the contact emails listed above.