Johannesburg’s Noordgesig Library marked South African Librarians’ Day on July 10, 2026 with a programme centred on how artificial intelligence is reshaping libraries, education and access to information — the latest in a widening set of South African library-sector conversations about how the profession should respond to AI.
The event was hosted by the City of Johannesburg’s Libraries and Information Services Directorate in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, the University of South Africa and Rosebank International. It brought together librarians, information professionals, students and stakeholders for presentations and interactive discussions on ethical AI, information literacy and lifelong learning, with sessions on Librarians as Champions of Ethical and Inclusive AI, Ethical Use of AI, Public Libraries in the Age of AI, Academic Writing and AI, and the City of Johannesburg’s e-Learning Services.
A recurring theme through the day was the ethical and responsible use of AI in libraries and academic environments, with speakers pressing the balance between technological innovation and human expertise.
City of Johannesburg librarian Rhulani Ngonyama emphasized inclusive and ethical AI practices, responsible use of AI tools, and the need to bridge the digital divide. AI, he argued, should be viewed as a tool that strengthens librarians’ work rather than displacing it.
“Librarians who embrace and master AI will be better equipped to meet the evolving needs of their communities,” Ngonyama said.
Participants expressed strong interest in expanding their knowledge, and called for more training on the practical and ethical application of AI in the workplace.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Councillor Thapelo Amad, framed the event as part of the City’s broader push to prepare librarians for a digital future.
“Our librarians are at the heart of informed, empowered and connected communities,” Amad said. “As technology continues to evolve, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote ethical innovation, digital inclusion and lifelong learning, ensuring our libraries continue to serve as centres of knowledge and opportunity for all.”
The Noordgesig event lands in a South African library sector that has been actively wrestling with AI over the past year. In June 2025, the fifth International Federation of Library Associations Librarians Symposium at the University of KwaZulu-Natal explored the same terrain under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Robots Transforming Libraries,” including a demonstration of UKZN’s locally developed robot librarian Thola. The Librarians’ Day programme sits within that broader conversation about how the profession retains its ethical foundation as AI tools take on a growing share of everyday information work.
