CIO & University Librarian's Message

Welcome back, and happy New Year! I wish you all a thriving, fulfilling 2026 and an exciting start to the Term 2.

AI is no longer just a buzzword — it’s part of everyday life. At the Library, we are focused on how AI can enrich your learning experience and are committed to integrating it across our services and operations. You may already be benefiting from our smart IoT Management System, which helps address seat hogging and monitors the environmental wellness of the Library so that you can quickly find a comfortable study spot. Our 1-Search Research Assistant supports your search of relevant articles on the 1-Search platform, and several of our subscribed databases, including ScienceDirect, now offer AI-enhanced search capabilities to improve the relevancy of your search. And we’re not stopping there: we are continuing to explore innovative uses of AI to enhance both services and operations. Soon, we will launch our first AI chatbot, Summy, on the Library website to provide round-the-clock assistance with our services and facilities. Interactive kiosks are now available, featuring an intuitive floor plan to help you navigate our spaces. If you have creative ideas for how AI can further assist your learning, we would love to hear from you.

We are also welcoming the new Term with a fresh lineup of workshops and cultural events, including book launch talks and Refreshh Coffee. We encourage you to join these sessions to discover smarter ways to use Library resources. Enjoy reading this issue of Library Matters — and don’t forget to register early for our upcoming activities.