At the event, Prof. Dr. Erol ÖZVAR, President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), delivered the opening speech, while President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN and Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri ERSOY addressed the participants during the closing session.

YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol ÖZVAR: “Libraries are centers where knowledge is processed and interpreted.”

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Erol ÖZVAR stated that in the digital age, libraries have evolved from being mere repositories of information to dynamic centers where knowledge is processed, interpreted, and given meaning.

He noted, “The concept of Library 5.0 redefines the relationship between people and information. It is no longer merely about digitalization, but about uniting the digital with human values — combining trust and ethical responsibility in access to knowledge.”

Emphasizing the pivotal role of libraries in the digital transformation of the Turkish higher education system, ÖZVAR underlined that university libraries must be at the heart of open science policies and evidence-based decision-making processes.

He added, “Our libraries are indispensable institutions for the production, dissemination, and sustainable accessibility of knowledge. This understanding constitutes a cornerstone of Türkiye’s vision for knowledge-based development.”

President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN: “We have a 1,300-year-old tradition in librarianship.”

In his closing address, President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN emphasized that Türkiye possesses a deep-rooted civilizational heritage founded upon knowledge and the written word.
“As members of a faith whose very first command is ‘Read,’ we stand upon a 1,300-year-old tradition of librarianship,” he said, highlighting the continuity of this legacy from the Umayyads to the Ottomans, and from there to the Republic.

Referring to the historical centrality of knowledge and scholars, President ERDOĞAN stated:
“From the Umayyads to the Abbasids, from the Seljuks to the Ottoman Empire, in every civilization we built, the book and the scholar held a central place. Institutions such as Bayt al-Hikma in Damascus, the Nizamiye Madrasah in Baghdad, and the Karatay and Gök Madrasahs in Anatolia spread knowledge and wisdom not only to their own eras but to the entire world.”

He continued, “Whenever we have valued science, whenever we have embraced books and knowledge wholeheartedly, we have achieved our greatest accomplishments that left their mark on world history.”

Touching upon the challenges of the past, he remarked, “Generations were once distanced from their roots and history; yet, we have succeeded in reconnecting with our heritage.”

President ERDOĞAN also noted that librarianship in Türkiye is experiencing a strong revival, stating:
“Our country has become one that preserves, develops, and adapts its libraries to the demands of the digital age. Together with our Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of National Education, universities, and local administrations, we continue to strengthen this legacy.”

At the conclusion of his speech, the President congratulated ANKOS and the staff of the Presidential Nation’s Library for organizing the conference, wishing that the event would yield beneficial outcomes for Türkiye and the library community.

Following the speeches, ANKOS President İsmail ÇETİNKAYA and Ayhan TUĞLU, Director of Presidential Libraries, presented President ERDOĞAN with a historic document — the imperial decree (berat) dated March 11, 1845, issued by Sultan Abdülmecid, appointing Hafız İsmail as the custodian (hafız-ı kütüp) of the Ebu Eyyub al-Ansari Mosque Library.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri ERSOY: “We are building a Türkiye empowered by knowledge through productive and living libraries.”

In his address during the closing program, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri ERSOY emphasized that access to knowledge, digital transformation, and human re-centered service principles are integrated within the Library 5.0 vision.

He stated, “Through the sharing, production, and sustainable management of knowledge, we are transforming our libraries into meeting points of ideas and innovation. We are building a Türkiye empowered by knowledge through productive and living libraries.”

Hosted by the Presidential Nation’s Library, the ANKOSLink 2025 International Conference concluded after three days of sessions on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, information management, and human re-centered services, serving as a comprehensive forum shaping the future of libraries.

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.

Official Media References

• President Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN’s Post on Platform X

• Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye – Official News Release

• Council of Higher Education (YÖK) – Official Statement

• Directorate of Communications – Official Statement

This special broadcast, to be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 9:00 p.m, will focus on the latest developments, preparations, and new experiences awaiting participants ahead of ANKOSLink 2025, which will take place at the Presidential Nation’s Library.

The program will be moderated by Emrullah UĞUR.
Do not miss this informative conversation taking place just before ANKOSLink 2025, one of the most significant gatherings in the field of university libraries.

Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 9:00 p.m

https://meet.google.com/fur-pvvt-jwo

The visit was attended by members of the ANKOS Executive Board along with Mr. Ayhan Tuğlu, Head of the Department of Libraries at the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye. During the meeting, the ANKOS delegation extended their congratulations to Prof. Dr. Erol ÖZVAR on his new term and held comprehensive discussions on the ongoing projects and collaborations aimed at enhancing the development of university libraries.

Throughout the meeting, information was shared on ANKOS’s activities in the areas of database agreements, Open Access and “Read & Publish” models, and efforts to strengthen access to scholarly information among higher education institutions in Türkiye, develop sustainable models for electronic resource procurement, and enhance interlibrary cooperation. The parties also exchanged views on fostering collaboration in resource sharing and digital transformation across higher education institutions.

During the visit, detailed information was also provided about the ANKOSLink2025 International Conference, which will be held on November 4–6, 2025, under the theme “Library 5.0 and Human-Centered Digital Transformation” in collaboration with the Presidential Nation’s Library. President of the Council of Higher Education Prof. Dr. Erol ÖZVAR was cordially invited to attend the event.

The ANKOS Executive Board expressed its sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. Erol ÖZVAR for his kind reception and continued support.

The opening was made with the speech of ANKOS President Mr. İsmail Çetinkaya; in his speech, the history of ANKOS workshops, the activities carried out in the last year, the sectoral importance of the workshops, and the potential opportunities and gains offered for volunteers were emphasized. In addition, the current list of ANKOS volunteers and task distributions were shared; information was given about the new members who joined the consortium and those who left.

In the first session, the activities of the Database Evaluation Group were addressed, opinions were shared on the evaluation processes, acceptance criteria, and product diversity of electronic information resources to be newly included in the consortium; furthermore, the current activities carried out by the Database Evaluation Working Group were presented to the participants.

In the second session, an exchange of views was held by the Electronic Resource Management System (ERM) Software and Statistics Working Group on the creation of a new ERM system and the modules that could be integrated into the system, and solution proposals were discussed by evaluating the data updating failures experienced in existing systems.

In the third session, the Licensing Agreements Working Group took the floor, situations encountered in the licensing agreement processes were addressed, and opinions were exchanged on the methods to be implemented. In this context, proposals were shared towards increasing transparency of the processes, developing standards, and creating sustainable models.

In the fourth session, the Collaboration Working Group focused on the Interlibrary Collaboration Tracking System (KITS), shortcomings experienced in the current system were expressed, and proposals for the development of a new model were discussed. In addition, preparations for the next National Academic Resource Sharing Workshop were brought to the agenda.

In the fifth session, the activities of the Academy Working Group were conveyed, in addition to the evaluation of the studies carried out so far within ANKOS processes, an exchange of views was held on the works foreseen to be carried out in the upcoming period. Especially, proposals for the development of artificial intelligence applications in libraries and strengthening academic collaborations came to the fore.

In the last session, preparations for the ANKOSLink2025 International Conference, to be held at the Presidential Nation’s Library between November 04–06, 2025, were addressed by the Public Relations Working Group, and evaluations were made on sponsorship processes, transportation, and accommodation.

The 19th ANKOS Annual Workshop, which ended with the general evaluation and closing session, not only shared the latest developments regarding the functioning of the consortium but also provided a productive environment that increased the motivation of volunteer workers. At the closing, plaques were presented; ANKOS President İsmail Çetinkaya presented a plaque of appreciation to Mr. Muhammet Kızıl, Head of Library and Documentation Department, representing Artvin Çoruh University, and then Muhammet Kızıl also presented a plaque to İsmail Çetinkaya on behalf of the university. As ANKOS, we thank all volunteers who contributed to the realization of the workshop and Artvin Çoruh University for their cooperation.

]]> https://ankos.org.tr/en/visit-to-the-central-scientific-library-of-amea/ Fri, 05 Sep 2025 07:50:37 +0000 https://ankos.org.tr/visit-to-the-central-scientific-library-of-amea/ […]]]> President of the Anatolian University Libraries Consortium (ANKOS), İsmail Çetinkaya, met with the Director of the Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (AMEA), Doctor of Technical Sciences Hüseyn Hüseynov. The meeting was also attended by the library’s deputy director, department heads, and staff members.

Within the framework of the discussions, topics such as MEK’s potential membership in ANKOS, opportunities for cooperation in the field of library and information services, international exchange of experience, and access to electronic resources were addressed. Both parties emphasized that strengthening cooperation would further enhance the academic community’s access to information.

During his visit, Çetinkaya received detailed information about the library’s activities. He first examined the Karabakh War Heroes Fund, which includes special corners and valuable publications. He then toured the busts of AMEA founders, the Academicians’ Library housing rich collections, as well as the Diplomatic Fund, which contains publications donated by various foreign missions, particularly from Türkiye.

While reviewing the Rare Books Fund of the library, the ANKOS President suggested that the ancient publications preserved there could be translated into Azerbaijani and incorporated into the collection.

At the conclusion of the visit, ANKOS President İsmail Çetinkaya expressed his gratitude to the management and staff of the Central Scientific Library of ANAS for their warm hospitality, and conveyed his hope that the friendly cooperation between the two institutions would continue to grow in the future.

Visit to the National Aviation Academy

On August 18, 2025, Çetinkaya visited the National Aviation Academy, where he met with the First Vice-Rector of the Academy, Prof. Ədalət Səmədov, Vice-Rector Assoc. Prof. Gülnarə Əhmədova, and Library Director Günel Şıxəliyeva. The meeting focused on potential cooperation between ANKOS and MAA, including access to scientific journals, publishing, joint projects in the field of librarianship, and mutual exchange of experience. In addition, representatives of the Academy were invited to attend the ANKOSLink2025 International Conference, which will be held at the Presidential Library on November 4–6, 2025.

Visit to Baku State University

The second stop of Çetinkaya’s visit was Baku State University. The university’s rector, Prof. Dr. Elçin Babayev, welcomed the guest and spoke about the role of library services in the university’s digitalization process. Babayev emphasized that the Baku State University Scientific Library has served as a methodological center for higher education libraries across the country for more than 50 years and that national cooperation has been strengthened through the Azerbaijan Library Information Consortium (AzKİK), which currently includes 15 member universities.

ANKOS President Çetinkaya, in turn, highlighted the contributions of the annually held ANKOSLink Conference in Türkiye to the regional and international library community. He also underlined the importance of Baku State University’s position as the center of scientific librarianship in Azerbaijan in terms of fostering international cooperation.

During the visits, discussions were held on expanding cooperation opportunities between Turkish and Azerbaijani universities in the field of library and information services.

Conference page

It will be held between 20-23 November 2023 at the Royal Seginus Hotel Congress Center in Antalya with the theme of “Rethinking University Libraries in the Centennial of the Republic“.

Topics to be discussed in the three-day conference created by the ANKOSLink2023 Program Committee, the impact of artificial intelligence on university libraries, changing education and training methods, permanent descriptors and access to information, research evaluation systems, the importance of consortium studies, institutional academic publishing, open science and open access, publishing The developments in the field are planned as new learning platforms, sharing economy and sharing models.

Conference page!