Yogyakarta, August 4, 2026 — Head of the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) Library, Prof. Dr. Syahril Efendi, S.Si., M.I.T., attended the 17th Indonesian Digital Library Conference (KPDI 17), held from August 4–6, 2026, at the University Hotel Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Special Region of Yogyakarta.
The 17th Indonesian Digital Library Conference carried the theme “Awareness, Behavior, Interaction, and Information Culture in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.” The conference served as a strategic forum for digital library professionals and stakeholders across Indonesia to discuss developments in information technology, changing user behavior, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing libraries amid the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI).
The participation of the Head of the USU Library reflects the USU Library’s commitment to keeping pace with technological developments and strengthening digital transformation in information management and library services. The development of AI offers significant opportunities for libraries to provide more innovative, responsive, and user-oriented services.
In addition to providing opportunities to gain new knowledge and insights, KPDI 17 served as a platform for expanding professional networks and strengthening collaboration among library institutions across Indonesia. The exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices during the conference is expected to encourage innovation in digital library development and enhance the quality of information services.
In the context of higher education, library transformation is not limited to the adoption of technology but also involves preparing users to navigate an increasingly complex information ecosystem. Therefore, strengthening information literacy, critical thinking skills, and responsible information practices is essential in responding to the development of artificial intelligence.
The participation of the USU Library in KPDI 17 also provided an opportunity to explore various developments and best practices that can serve as references for improving library services. This is in line with the USU Library’s efforts to develop an information ecosystem that is increasingly adaptive to the needs of the academic community.
Through its participation in this national forum, the USU Library remains committed to strengthening innovation, collaboration, information literacy, and the effective use of technology as integral components of library development in the digital era.
With a spirit of transformation and collaboration, the USU Library continues to advance toward becoming an adaptive, innovative, and user-oriented library, while strengthening its role as a center for information, learning, and knowledge development in the era of artificial intelligence.