As part of Unisa's Research and Innovation Week 2026, the university’s Library and Information Services (LIS) hosted its Research and Innovation Day on 27 May 2026 under the theme "Unisa LIS at the Heart of Innovation: Advancing Catalytic Research". The event brought together academics, researchers, librarians and industry partners to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in research, knowledge management and higher education.

Welcoming delegates, Acting Executive Director of Library and Information Services, Dr Janice de Wee, underscored the importance of innovation, collaboration and digital transformation in advancing excellence in research. She highlighted the growing influence of AI across academia and encouraged participants to engage critically with emerging technologies while maintaining ethical and responsible research practices.

A key feature of the programme was a presentation by Dr Refilwe Mabaso, Head of Information and Knowledge Management at Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), who reflected on the strategic partnership between ATNS and Unisa. She emphasised the importance of research, knowledge management and collaboration between industry and academia in driving innovation and supporting sustainable organisational growth.

In a presentation entitled "Harnessing the Power of AI Research Tools in Libraries and Information Services", Sophie van der Walt, a web developer at Unisa LIS, challenged information professionals to become active participants in shaping the future of AI within higher education.

"AI is already here. Our students, researchers, and libraries use it every day. The future of AI in libraries will not be shaped by technology alone, but by how we choose to use it responsibly," she said.

Van der Walt highlighted the growing need for AI literacy and ethical AI adoption, noting that librarians have an increasingly important role in guiding researchers and students through complex information environments.

"Our role is not disappearing; it is deepening. We are becoming navigators who help researchers and students make sense of information in the age of AI," she added.

The discussions explored opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption in academic libraries, including information verification, academic integrity, responsible use of technology and the future of research support services.

Closing the event, Zandi Mogiba, Manager: Procurement Services at LIS, noted that the programme demonstrated the importance of collaboration, innovation and continuous learning in strengthening research capacity and ensuring that libraries remain relevant and significant in a rapidly changing digital landscape. She encouraged participants to continue embracing innovation while upholding the principles of ethical scholarship and knowledge sharing.

The event reaffirmed Unisa LIS's commitment to supporting research excellence, fostering innovation and positioning libraries as strategic partners in advancing knowledge creation and digital transformation in higher education. 

* By Itumeleng Mpete, Marketing Coordinator, Library and Information Service