The National Library Service (NLS) has unveiled plans for its inaugural conference, titled “The Future of Libraries: Embracing Technology, Strengthening Community Engagement and Sustaining Development in a Digital Era.” A National Library Service shared that it is scheduled for February 20, 2026, the event will take place at the Hilton Barbados Resort.
In anticipation of the symposium, one of the Caribbean’s prominent institutions is calling for scholarly submissions focused on Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Community Engagement. Organizers say this gathering comes at a pivotal moment, as the NLS celebrates the National Year of Reading 2026 and prepares to mark its 180th anniversary in 2027. They added that the overlap of these milestones underscores that honoring cultural heritage and embracing technological progress are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing objectives.
Jennifer Yarde, Director of the NLS, highlighted the importance of this dialogue, stating,”Caribbean libraries must lead conversations about digital preservation of our unique cultural heritage while simultaneously adopting cutting-edge technologies. This symposium will generate the research foundation needed to achieve both goals.”
According to the release, this historic event signifies a critical turning point for libraries throughout the Caribbean region, as they grapple with the challenges of conserving cultural heritage, integrating innovative technologies, and fostering inclusive community services. The conference will gather a diverse group of participants—including library professionals, archivists, museum curators, educators, researchers, and tech experts—to exchange pioneering research and collaboratively develop strategies for 21st-century information management.
A central aspect of the symposium is a call for papers aimed at establishing a foundation for vital discussions shaping the future of library services. The NLS invites original research and innovative case studies that address urgent issues faced by modern libraries, such as AI integration and the digital safeguarding of Caribbean cultural identity.
Yarde emphasized,”The papers submitted to this symposium will become essential reference materials for library
professionals throughout the region and beyond.We are calling for rigorous scholarship that not only identifies challenges but proposes actionable solutions for creating more accessible, technologically advanced, and community-centered library systems.”
All selected submissions will be peer-reviewed and included in the official proceedings, reinforcing the event’s commitment to advancing scholarly knowledge and evidence-based practices in library and information science.
The conference will focus on six interrelated themes vital to the evolution of libraries: Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Emerging Technologies; Designing Inclusive Digital Libraries; Community Engagement and Outreach; Digital Resources and E-Libraries; Preservation of Caribbean Cultural Identity; and the integration of Archives and Libraries. NLS said these themes reflect the complex balancing act faced by information professionals—innovating while maintaining accessibility, aligning with global standards while preserving local culture, and blending traditional services with digital advancements.
Interested contributors—library staff, researchers, and technology specialists—are encouraged to submit abstracts of 300 words by Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Notification of acceptance will be sent out by Friday, November 28, 2025, with full papers due by December 15, 2025. Details regarding submission procedures and registration can be found on the NLS Facebook page and the Barbados National Library Service’s Instagram account @NLSbarbados.
The NLS extends an invitation to all stakeholders committed to shaping the future of libraries to participate and share their expertise in this transformative event.
