INCONECSS 2025 shows: Artificial intelligence is changing library practice worldwide
Kiel/Hamburg, 4 June 2025: On 15 and 16 May 2025, the fourth International Conference on Economics and Business Information (INCONECSS) discussed the strategic realignment of libraries in the face of increasing human-AI collaboration under the motto "Research Support in an Age of AI". 94 experts from 34 countries discussed how libraries are positioning themselves to develop new services with AI tools and strengthen research-related infrastructures.
The integration of artificial intelligence is increasingly changing scientific practice – from data analysis to text production. This development is also constantly presenting libraries with new challenges. What role do they play in a science characterised by AI? What support services will researchers expect in the future? These questions were the focus of the fourth INCONECSS - International Conference on Economics and Business Information, which took place in Berlin on 15 and 16 May 2025.
Under the guiding theme "Research Support in an Age of AI", the conference organised by the ZBW – Leibniz Information Centre for Economics brought together around 100 participants from 34 countries from academic libraries, infrastructure facilities and economic research. The conference provided a platform for international dialogue on current developments in research support.
The keynote speech by Dr Leo Lo (University of New Mexico, USA) focused on the term "AI literacy" – a concept that describes the active and reflective use of AI tools in a scientific context. According to the central message, libraries should act as mediators, support users in acquiring the relevant skills, but also train their own staff on the topic.
The panel on the second day of the conference with Dave Hansen (Authors Alliance), Argie Kasprzik (ZBW), Julia Priess-Buchheit (Kiel University) and Charlotte Wien (UiT The Arctic University of Norway) examined current developments at the interface of academic publishing, copyright issues and AI-based business models. The discussion revealed a broad spectrum of positions: on the one hand, there was a plea for more transparency and free access to academic publications – based on an idealistic understanding of academic authors' rights. On the other hand, the importance of internationally active publishers with viable revenue models was emphasised, especially against the backdrop of increasing uncertainties regarding access to state-hosted publications. The contributions emphasised the complexity of interests and the need for open, international negotiation processes.
The international focus of INCONECSS enabled a comparison of institutional approaches in different countries. It became clear that artificial intelligence is no longer a distant technology of the future, but is shaping library practice. Libraries are increasingly positioning themselves as learning organisations - they are expanding their service portfolio and providing impetus for the responsible shaping of digital change in science.
Thorsten Meyer, Library Director of the ZBW and central host of INCONECSS, draws a clear conclusion: "INCONECSS 2025 showed that libraries worldwide are beginning to redefine their role in the academic system. The use of AI is not only changing work processes, but also expectations of scientific infrastructure. Libraries are actively shaping digital transformation and at the same time providing orientation in a dynamic, technology-driven environment."
