The future of libraries in the age of AI

As libraries enter a new era shaped by rapid technological change, how will their purpose, function and public value evolve? This lecture explores how developments such as artificial intelligence and new forms of digital preservation are influencing how libraries collect, manage and share knowledge. It also charts how technology is transforming everyday life, and why the public library matters more than ever as a place for access, belonging and participation.
This talk is part of a series curated by Mitchell Librarian Richard Neville, reflecting on the history of the State Library of NSW. From the founding stories of this iconic institution to its evolution across 200 years, the series examines how libraries collect, preserve and share knowledge, imagination and creativity across generations.