Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) celebrated the 62nd Library Week with a comprehensive series of events organized under the theme “Healing Libraries.” Throughout the week, activities focusing on the use of artificial intelligence in academic research and the promotion of reading culture were brought together.

Organized by the OMU Library and Documentation Department, the events were held with broad participation across the campus. The programs highlighted improving access to information, the societal role of libraries, and the place of technology in the academic world.

“Libraries are an investment in the future”

As part of the week, the “National Book Reading Event” was held at the university’s Central Library. Speaking at the event, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten emphasized the importance of libraries in individual and societal development, stating:

“Our university library holds a very important position at the regional level. Every resource allocated to books and libraries is, in fact, an investment in our future. This is not only a place for studying, but also a living space where individuals build themselves.”

The program continued with a 15-minute collective reading activity attended by protocol members and students. The event concluded with a rose planting activity in the library garden, organized with the contributions of the OMU International Relations Office.

Emphasis on artificial intelligence in academic research

Another event held during the week featured a seminar titled “The Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools in Literature Review Processes,” delivered by Instructor Dr. Sema Gül from the Faculty of Medicine. The seminar was also attended by Uğur Donbay, Head of the Library and Documentation Department.

During the seminar, the advantages of artificial intelligence technologies in literature review and data analysis processes were presented through interactive sessions. Dr. Sema Gül emphasized that such technologies should be considered not as an “end” but as an “assistant” supporting researchers, while also underlining the importance of scientific ethics.

Strong participation

The events were attended by OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Muharrem Özcan, Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Hamza Çalışıcı, Rector’s Advisor and Director of the Turkish Teaching Application and Research Center (TÖMER) Prof. Dr. Serkan Şen, as well as vice deans, academics, and a large number of students.

It was stated that the 62nd Library Week celebrations will continue with various activities aimed at increasing library awareness within the university.