The Association of Scientific Libraries of Higher Education Institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a roundtable discussion with library directors at L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. During the meeting, participants discussed current and complex issues facing modern librarianship.
One of the most important decisions was the adoption of the Association’s Charter. As a result, the membership of the organization was expanded, allowing school and college libraries to join the Association. During the meeting, heads of regional divisions were also appointed, and their current responsibilities were defined.
Participants discussed the Association’s key areas of activity, including professional support, regulatory and legal affairs, automation, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, access to information resources, international cooperation, and environmental engagement. Objectives were established for each area, and priorities for future work were outlined.
The first speaker was B. A. Orazayev, the newly elected President of the Association. He emphasized the importance of libraries, library professionals, and printed publications. He also called on participants, within the framework of implementing the “Reading Nation” platform, to move beyond one-off cultural and informational events and focus on systematic, meaningful, and sustained initiatives.
G. Kh. Abdigaziyeva, Head of the Scientific Library of the Eurasian Humanities Institute named after A. K. Kussayinov, presented an overview of the library’s activities and outlined the operation of its electronic information resources. In particular, she noted that the library uses the capabilities of the E-UNI and Scopus databases and platforms, as well as the Library, ENU, Library.nu.edu.kz, and Kazneb resources, which are accessible under relevant agreements, to meet users’ information needs.
To strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in the international library community, participants examined the role of the Association and its future plans. They discussed professional development, the introduction of new methodologies, improving operational efficiency, addressing inclusion-related challenges, and fostering a new reading culture.
Regional representatives also focused on the condition of libraries’ material and technical facilities, the need to use modern equipment, and the introduction of new technological solutions. Following the discussion, priorities were established for further improving library services and developing modern library infrastructure.
