The Rise of AI Marks a New Phase in Information Access

Ethical and Conscious Use Highlighted at the “Age of AI in Academia” Event

Cyprus International University (CIU) hosted a workshop themed “The Age of AI in Academia,” organized by the ANKOS (Anatolian University Libraries Consortium) Artificial Intelligence Working Group. The event explored the role and future of artificial intelligence in the academic field, focusing on ethical principles for its usage and digital transformation.
CIU Library Director Özlem Araz emphasized that AI makes significant contributions to presentation and visual content production processes, enabling broader access at lower costs. Araz highlighted the importance of these tools being unbiased and accountable.
Gültekin Gürdal, Head of Department at Izmir Institute of Technology, described AI as “one of the most significant developments in the transformation of information.” He emphasized its contributions to efficiency, accessibility, and decision-making processes, highlighting AI’s potential to reduce R&D costs. Citing the example of ChatGPT producing 700 million visuals in just 10 days, Gürdal also addressed concerns about AI’s energy consumption.
The event also examined the impact of AI on library services and academic information access habits. Topics such as misinformation risk, algorithmic bias, and manipulation were discussed. Tools like Scispace, Scopus AI, and EBSCO AI Insights were showcased, with participants sharing application-based ideas. Experiences were shared on how the opportunities offered by digital transformation are being utilized in library services and academic support systems.
The workshop was enriched by presentations from academics, library directors, and information center representatives from various universities. The ethical, technical, and practical dimensions of artificial intelligence in academia were explored from multiple perspectives, providing participants with a valuable platform for knowledge and experience sharing.