On October 9, 2026, Brest State Technical University hosted the second and final day of the 26th International Scientific and Practical Conference, "Management of University Libraries." The event brought together leading library specialists, heads of information centers, researchers, and faculty members from Belarus and Russia to discuss current challenges and future development prospects.
The highlight of the second day was the session titled "The Intellectual Environment and Support for Open Science: New Roles and Communication Channels for Libraries." Amid the rapid digitalization of the academic landscape, the traditional functions of book repositories are receding into the background; session participants discussed the ongoing transformation of libraries.
Experts focused on the following issues:
- the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning for intelligent search and Big Data analysis within scientific databases;
- the development of open-access repositories;
- new formats of communication with the scientific community;
- the library's role in boosting researchers' publication output and providing support throughout the entire research lifecycle.
Following the intensive work of the various sessions, a closing ceremony was held. The discussions culminated in the drafting and unanimous adoption of the conference's final resolution. The document outlines practical steps for fostering inter-library cooperation, creating joint digital platforms, and standardizing approaches to managing open scientific data. The adopted recommendations will serve as a roadmap for university libraries in the coming years.
The official closing of the conference took place in a warm, collegial atmosphere. On behalf of BrSTU, the organizers of the 26th conference thanked all participants for the high academic quality of the presentations and expressed confidence that the dialogue established would serve as a powerful impetus for the modernization of the library sector.
The cultural program on the second day was an equally significant part of the event. A tour of the "Brest Hero-Fortress" memorial complex was organized for guests and participants. Visiting this key site of Belarusian historical memory allowed conference attendees to connect with living history and pay tribute to the heroism of the fortress's defenders.
