ULIA President Champions Evolving Role of Librarians in the AI Age at MUBS Library Week
KAMPALA – The critical role of libraries and the irreplaceable value of librarians in nurturing a reading culture and guiding users through the complexities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) were the central themes of a keynote speech delivered by the President of the Uganda Library and Information Association (ULIA), Dr. Fredrick Kiwuwa Lugya.
Dr. Lugya was speaking as the Guest of Honour at the official opening of the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Library Week on Monday, October 6, 2025. The event, held under the theme “Informed Readers, Empowered Communities,” brought together students, academic staff, researchers, librarians, and the university administration.
In his address, Dr. Lugya passionately argued that in an era of information overload and AI-generated content, the need for deep, critical reading has never been more critical. He defined an "informed reader" as one who goes beyond headlines and chatbot summaries to engage deeply with complex arguments, fostering critical thinking and empathy.
“The library, therefore, is not just a repository of books; it is the gymnasium where we exercise and strengthen our minds,” Dr. Lugya stated, framing it as the bedrock of an empowered academic and national community.
Responding to the question of AI's impact on the profession, the ULIA President delivered a powerful rebuttal, asserting that “AI makes librarians more important, not less.”
He elaborated that while AI is a powerful tool for processing data, it lacks human judgment, ethical understanding, and is prone to biases and ‘hallucinations.’ He then outlined the evolving role of the modern information professional:
- From Curators to Sense-Makers: Librarians now act as crucial interpreters, teaching users how to navigate the digital ecosystem, ask the right questions, and verify AI-generated content.
- Champions of Critical Literacy: They are at the forefront of instilling the most valuable skill in the AI age: the ability to critically evaluate information.
- Guardians of Equity and Inclusivity: Libraries serve as democratizing forces, providing equitable access to both traditional and cutting-edge AI tools for all students.
Dr. Lugya issued a clear call to action to all stakeholders. He urged students to view the library as a dynamic command centre for their development, academic staff to collaborate with librarians on integrating information literacy into curricula, and the administration to continue investing in library resources and staff professional development.
He concluded by declaring the 2025 MUBS Library Week officially open, encouraging all participants to engage actively in the week’s activities.
The speech has sparked significant discussion within the library and educational sectors, reinforcing the strategic direction of university libraries in Uganda, including the Busitema University Library, as they adapt to serve their communities in a rapidly changing information landscape.