Embracing Innovation in Health Information Libraries

Helen He, Head of Dentistry Library, University of Toronto, Canada

Many thanks for the support from the University of Toronto Libraries; I had the privilege of attending the EAHIL 2024 Conference. This conference came highly recommended by one of my co-workers who had attended previous EAHIL conferences several times. The conference theme this year, ‘Small Step and a Giant Leap: Reorienting Towards a New Environment,’ really resonated with me, especially given the challenges posed by the pandemic and the rising importance of AI tools. It was also a particularly meaningful opportunity for me as it marked my first time attending an international conference in Europe.

The conference was packed with a diverse range of topics and sessions from the keynote speakers and workshop presenters. It provided a deep dive into various aspects of health science librarianship, emphasizing the transformative role libraries can play. Discussions covered how libraries can drive positive change, such as fostering open access and open science, and how librarians can use technology, including GenAI tools, to enhance efficiency in systematic searches and promote critical thinking to combat misinformation. Innovative teaching methods for improving student engagement were also showcased. Furthermore, the conference explored actionable strategies we can use to develop effective communication plans to promote library and information services and enhance the influence and visibility of academic libraries within university settings, thereby raising the profile and impact of academic libraries in the context of higher education.

One session that particularly stood out for me was titled ‘Exploring ChatGPT: Potential Applications for Designing Systematic Literature Searches.’(Simone Willis & Mala Mann). This session explored how we, as information professionals, can use AI tools such as ChatGPT to design systematic literature searches, showcasing their potential to streamline and enhance research processes. Participants were also encouraged to share their experiences and concerns regarding ChatGPT. I believe this workshop could greatly benefit our users as well. By showcasing the natural language processing and search capabilities of the AI tool and emphasizing the importance of human judgment and ethical considerations in using those AI tools, we can empower our users to use AI tools responsibly and efficiently.

Beyond the sessions, the conference’s social activities, photo galleries, and virtual platform cultivated a sense of community and shared experience. These components not only created lasting memories but also facilitated ongoing knowledge exchange beyond the physical event. The virtual platform, in particular, served as a valuable repository of information, allowing participants to revisit attended sessions and explore missed ones whenever convenient, ensuring a flexible and accessible learning experience.

Lastly, the assistance I received from the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) was exceptional. Each LOC member displayed unwavering commitment, ensuring that all participants felt welcomed and supported throughout their stay. I would like to express my Big Thanks to Kristīne Kuzņecova for helping me with my visa issues and to Monta Simona Zeltiņa for going above and beyond to arrange a taxi service for me to attend the Continuing Education course.

EAHIL 2024 not only broadened my knowledge but also provided an opportunity for me to connect with international colleagues. This conference has equipped me with fresh perspectives, practical strategies, and new connections that will undoubtedly influence my work positively moving forward. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to my current work and hope to attend future conferences whenever possible.