WRITER: THE AU LIBRARY
A Day of Insightful Talks Centers on the Evolving Role of Technology in Libraries
Assumption University of Thailand (AU) further solidified its commitment to education and technology today as Mrs. Benjaporn Anunwanitcha, the Director of the Central Library, and team members: Mrs. Wilai Pruesapanchaand, Mr. Somsin Sripraphatsorn and Dr. Scott Smith joined an influential gathering of library and tech experts. This exclusive seminar was organized by the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) at the luxuriant Millennium Hilton Hotel in downtown Bangkok.
A highlight of the day was the keynote speech by Skip Pritchard, the President and CEO of OCLC, who is also a bestselling author. Pritchard’s book, "The Book of Mistakes: 9 Secrets to Creating a Successful Future," has made a significant impact in leadership circles. The title of his talk, "Strategies for Success in a Changing World," focused on leadership strategies that are adaptable and vital in our ever-changing global environment.
Skip Pritchard
President and CEO of OCLC
Axel Katz
Product Strategy Director of OCLC
Eric van Lubik
OCLC Vice President
The seminar also featured Dr. Axel Katz, an advocate for the intersectionality between artificial intelligence (AI) and human knowledge. Katz’s presentation, “High-Quality Data Leads to Quality Services,” emphasized that AI and machine learning are not just buzzwords but can significantly enhance stakeholder engagement and the process of knowledge creation. Katz and Eric van Lubik, OCLC Vice President, further delved into how innovative technologies could improve the discoverability of library collections worldwide, using real-world examples to back their claims.
Eric van Lubik’s session uniquely focused on "Enhancing Global Visibility, Cooperation, and Information Management in Libraries." Through case studies, he demonstrated how libraries could remain relevant in the digital age. Van Lubik’s talk was not just an intellectual exercise but offered actionable insights. He highlighted successful collaborations among OCLC members that have used metadata creatively to connect resources, improve user experience, and ultimately make libraries more relevant to both academic researchers and students.
The OCLC seminar was not merely an academic exercise but a catalyst for what is possible when innovation meets tradition, and it perfectly aligned with Assumption University's mission to stay at the forefront of education technology.
