DACUN Concludes 17th Phil-BIST Conference and Fair on AI and VR in Libraries
Davao City- The Davao Colleges and Universities Network (DACUN) Library Committee successfully held the 17th Philippine Book, Information Science, and Technology (Phil-BIST) Conference and Fair on August 11–13, 2025, at the RSM Event Center, Philippine Women’s College, Davao City. This year’s theme, “Innovating Smart, Digital, and Networked Libraries with AI and VR: reSources, Services, and Operations (SSO),” focused on how advanced technologies are transforming library systems, resources, and services.
The opening ceremony on August 11, 2025, featured Engr. Rodrigo Pangantihon, Jr., Education Supervisor II, as keynote speaker. He delivered updates on Commission on Higher Education (CHED) programs for Higher Education Institution (HEI) libraries in the region and underscored the importance of innovation and collaboration among academic libraries.
Over the three-day event, participants explored the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) in enhancing operational efficiency, accessibility, and user experience in smart, digital, and networked library environments. Various sessions demonstrated real-world applications, inspiring library professionals to adopt these tools in their institutions.
The conference also addressed strategies for integrating AI and VR into Acquisition, Development, and Information Management (ADIM), with discussions on best practices for collection development, cataloging, and digital asset management. The adoption of Single Sign-On (SSO) technology was promoted as a means to streamline authentication and provide seamless access to AI and VR-powered resources in modern libraries.
Gathering academic librarians, LIS educators, and information professionals from various institutions, the 17th Phil-BIST Conference and Fair served as a venue for collaboration, networking, and professional growth. It also provided valuable insights into the evolving role of the Board for Librarians in an era of rapid technological change, reinforcing DACUN’s commitment to advancing smart, connected, and future-ready libraries.
