Towards ANKOSLink 2025 in “Casual Conversations”: What Awaits at the Presidential Complex?
October 23, 2025
President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri ERSOY, and YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol ÖZVAR Attended the ANKOSLink 2025 International Conference
November 8, 2025
The ANKOSLink 2025 International Conference, organized by the Anatolian University Libraries Consortium (ANKOS), was held in Ankara between November 4–6, 2025, in cooperation with and under the auspices of the Presidential Nation’s Library.
With its main theme “Library 5.0: Human Re-Centered Digital Transformation,” the conference became one of the most comprehensive international gatherings in the field of academic information, bringing together 250 institutions from 30 countries, nearly 100 companies, and 700 participants.
The opening speeches were delivered by Ayhan TUĞLU, Director of the Presidential Libraries; İsmail ÇETİNKAYA, President of ANKOS; and Prof. Dr. Erol ÖZVAR, President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). The speakers emphasized the rapid transformation of information technologies and its impact on libraries and scholarly communication, underlining that the concept of “Library 5.0” represents a human-centered process of digital transformation.
Over the course of three days, five panels were held, each shaping the digital transformation vision of libraries.
Transformation in Academic Publishing
The first-day panel, titled “Transformation in Academic Publishing,” was moderated by Prof. Dr. Yılmaz ÇATAL, Rector of Isparta University of Applied Sciences.
Panelists included M. Mirat SATOĞLU (Director, TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM), Gültekin GÜRDAL (Director, Library and Documentation Department, Izmir Institute of Technology), Asst. Prof. Gizem Gültekin-Várkonyi (University of Szeged), and Mehmet Cem FENDOĞLU (Head, Education Department, Presidency of Strategy and Budget).
Discussions centered on the evolution of open science policies, emerging trends in academic publishing, the impact of artificial intelligence on scholarly production, and the current state and expectations of university library budgets.
Preserving Digital Content and Ensuring Continuous Access in Libraries
On the second day, the panel “Preserving Digital Content and Ensuring Continuous Access in Libraries” was moderated by Dr. Önder BAYIR, Director of the Library and Documentation Department at Marmara University.
Speakers included Prof. Dr. Müjdat SOYTÜRK (Marmara University), Fikri Arda CANPOLAT (Chairman, Center for Cyber Diplomacy), and Ece TUFANYAZICI (Istanbul Bilgi University).
The session explored secure preservation of digital content, data continuity, open-access infrastructures, and information security approaches.
Researcher Expectations in University Libraries in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Later that day, the panel “Researcher Expectations in University Libraries in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” moderated by Prof. Dr. Uğur ÜNAL, Rector of Gazi University, brought together several university rectors.
Participants included Prof. Dr. Atilla ARKAN (Ibn Haldun University), Prof. Dr. Musa Kazım ARICAN (Ankara Social Sciences University), Prof. Dr. Selim KARAHASANOĞLU (Izmir Democracy University), and Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI (Karadeniz Technical University).
Discussions focused on the strategic role of university libraries in research processes, researchers’ expectations from digital transformation, and the future of AI-supported information services.
Library 5.0: Human-Centered Practices
At the end of the same day, the panel “Library 5.0: Human-Centered Practices,” moderated by Tuba AKBAYTÜRK ÇANAK, Library Director of Koç University, featured Judit Gerencser (Deputy Director General, National Széchényi Library, Hungary), Ayhan TUĞLU (Director, Presidential Libraries), and Taner BEYOĞLU (Director General of Libraries and Publications, Ministry of Culture and Tourism).
This session discussed the redefinition of human-centered service models within libraries’ technological transformation, the evolution of user experience through digitalization, and sustainable innovative practices in public libraries.
Reconstructing Academic Knowledge through Artificial Intelligence and the Competencies of Librarians
On the final day, the panel “Reconstructing Academic Knowledge through Artificial Intelligence and the Competencies of Librarians,” moderated by Dr. Sami ÇUHADAR, Library Director of Istanbul Bilgi University, included Bas STRAUB (General Manager, Dixon & Straub), Prof. Dr. Coşkun POLAT (Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Çankırı Karatekin University), and Ertuğrul ÇİMEN (Library Director, MEF University; President of the IFLA Global Council).
The discussion addressed the transformative influence of artificial intelligence on academic knowledge production, the evolving roles and skill sets of librarians, and the emerging professional identities of information specialists.
Technical Sessions and Poster Presentations
Throughout the three-day event, technical sessions organized by participating companies introduced the latest developments in information technologies, open access, data analytics, digital content management, research evaluation systems, and AI applications.
In the poster area, ten posters were presented by researchers and librarians from Turkish universities, focusing on digital transformation, AI applications, and open science policies.
Gala Night and Awards
The Gala Program, held on the evening of the second day at Gazi University Cultural Center, offered memorable moments.
During the event, appreciation plaques were presented to companies holding Diamond and Main Sponsorship status.
In addition, the top three poster submissions—selected by the jury—were awarded plaques.
The evening concluded with musical performances and social activities, fostering an atmosphere of academic collaboration and community spirit.
Closing Ceremony and Presidential Address
The final session of the conference carried historical significance with the participation of Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri ERSOY and President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN.
In his address, President ERDOĞAN greeted the participants and emphasized the importance of this meaningful event that unites the realms of knowledge and culture.
He conveyed his best wishes for the conference’s success, expressing hope that it would yield beneficial outcomes for both the country and the library community, and extended congratulations to ANKOS and the Presidential Nation’s Library for their exemplary organization.
A Successful Conclusion
Hosted by the Presidential Nation’s Library, the ANKOSLink 2025 International Conference concluded successfully, leaving a significant mark in the fields of information access, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence through its collective vision and spirit of collaboration.
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