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	<title>AI in Libraries &#8211; Optimistic Scholar</title>
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	<description>Fueling Your Academic Voyage: From Dreams to Distinction</description>
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		<title>Dr. Ayodele Alonge: Leading the Digital Transformation of Libraries</title>
		<link>https://optimisticscholar.com/dr-ayodele-alonge-leading-the-digital-transformation-of-libraries/</link>
					<comments>https://optimisticscholar.com/dr-ayodele-alonge-leading-the-digital-transformation-of-libraries/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Optimistic Scholar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:37:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Academic Careers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scholar Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[African knowledge hubs.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[African libraries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AI in Libraries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital transformation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr Ayodele John Alonge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Librarian of the Month]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[librarianship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Library Innovation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Optimistic Scholar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social impact]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[Dr. Ayodele Alonge: The Digital Librarian Transforming Africa’s Information Landscape When Ayodele Alonge first volunteered to organize books at his church as a teenager,&#8230;]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Dr. Ayodele Alonge: The Digital Librarian Transforming Africa’s Information Landscape</h4>
When Ayodele Alonge first volunteered to organize books at his church as a teenager, few could have predicted that he would one day become one of Africa’s most influential voices in library science. Yet, decades later, his innovative works in digital transformation, publishing, archival management, and records management have earned him global recognition. His impact extends far beyond titles, but among his many accolades, he has been named Librarian of the Month by Librarian Spotlight Africa—an honor that only begins to capture the depth of his contributions.
<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-4571 " src="https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Certificate-Dr.-Alonge-300x212.jpg" alt="" width="353" height="250" srcset="https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Certificate-Dr.-Alonge-300x212.jpg 300w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Certificate-Dr.-Alonge-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Certificate-Dr.-Alonge-768x543.jpg 768w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Certificate-Dr.-Alonge-1536x1086.jpg 1536w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Certificate-Dr.-Alonge-1920x1357.jpg 1920w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Certificate-Dr.-Alonge-1170x827.jpg 1170w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Certificate-Dr.-Alonge-585x414.jpg 585w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Certificate-Dr.-Alonge.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 353px) 100vw, 353px" />
<h4>From Church Shelves to Global Stages</h4>
&#8220;I never planned to be a librarian,&#8221; Dr. Alonge admitted during his acceptance interview. His journey into librarianship began with passion and a commitment to service. While still in secondary school, he volunteered as a youth librarian at ECWA church in Ibadan. &#8220;When good books were scarce, I volunteered to create and manage a youth library,&#8221; he recalled. &#8220;I set up a space on the church’s ground floor, gathered books and video resources, and built a collection for young readers like me. That’s what librarians do—we fill gaps.&#8221; 
 
His path has been anything but conventional
<ul>
<li>The Corporate Librarian: Dr. Alonge’s career began in the early 2000s as a library intern at ResearchersWorld, Lagos. With a master’s degree in publishing and copyright studies, he later secured a prestigious role at KPMG Nigeria as a librarian and social media coordinator. However, his passion for research led him to pursue a PhD at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, under the prestigious <a href="https://cartafrica.org/">CARTA Fellowship</a>, where he explored how young Africans engage in discussions about HIV/AIDS on social media.</li>
<li>The Innovative Educator Driven by a deep passion for teaching, Dr. Alonge is committed to transforming knowledge into practical, impactful learning experiences. His dynamic methods—ranging from hands-on workshops and role-playing exercises to interactive learning sessions—have profoundly influenced both his students and professional peers. Dr. Alonge describes education as:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>&#8220;The measured and systematic process of guiding the human mind and soul to the best information, enabling effective performance of essential tasks, and fostering lifelong skills, experience, and satisfaction.&#8221; (International Day of Education 2022) <a style="font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0px;" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12JNsR9eW1Y/">Read more</a></blockquote>
From church shelves to global innovation, Dr. Alonge’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of librarianship.
<h3>Libraries as Innovation Hubs</h3>
Dr. Alonge challenges traditional perceptions of librarianship. “Librarians aren’t just bookkeepers—we’re the original data scientists,” he asserts. His work exemplifies this vision through impactful initiatives:
<ul>
<li>Optimistic Concept Services</li>
</ul>
Founded on April 27, 2005, in Lagos while still a university student, Dr. Alonge established Optimistic Concept Services to provide expert library consultancy and information services. For nearly two decades, he has been actively engaged in library and information services, hands-on training, and publishing consultancy.
<ul>
<li>Optimistic Scholar</li>
</ul>
An extension of his commitment to knowledge dissemination, Optimistic Scholar is an academic and professional development platform. It provides scholarship opportunities, career insights, and educational resources, supporting individuals in their academic and professional journeys. The website covers areas such as academic careers, fellowship programs, and grant opportunities, equipping users with the tools they need to succeed. Visit:<a href="http://www.optimisticscholar.com"> www.optimisticscholar.com</a> Dr. Alonge embodies a fusion of information dissemination and entrepreneurship, proving that libraries are more than repositories—they are engines of innovation.
<ul>
<li>Dancing Against Stigma</li>
</ul>
What began as a PhD research project has blossomed into a viral dance phenomenon, harnessing the power of rhythm and storytelling to educate youth on HIV prevention. Dr. Alonge’s initiative exemplifies how libraries and knowledge hubs can adopt unconventional methods to foster social change and contribute to public health through effective health communication. Watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmnN0QLFBLo">video here</a>.
<h3>Africa’s Digital Library Revolution</h3>
In an acceptance interview conducted by Sylvester Ebhonu on Saturday, March 25, 2025, Dr. Alonge highlighted the critical challenges confronting African libraries in the digital age.
“Our Internet is too expensive and unreliable.”
&#8220;During my recent visit to Nigeria, for a month I spent 200,000  naira on data that vanished quickly. How can we build digital libraries under such conditions?&#8221; The high cost and instability of internet access remain major obstacles to digital transformation.
The Need for 21st-Century Skills in Library Schools 
 &#8220;We need to teach 21st-century skills. Librarians must master AI and data analytics and data science—now.&#8221; Without modern tech proficiency, librarians risk being left behind in an increasingly digital world.
The Visibility Crisis 
 &#8220;Blog! Tweet! Facebooking! Make TikToks! If we don’t tell our stories, who will?&#8221; Dr. A.J. Alonge urges librarians to embrace digital storytelling and content creation, ensuring that African library innovations gain global recognition. With bold ideas and tireless advocacy, Dr. Alonge is at the forefront of creating a smarter, more connected future for African libraries.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/TBd6_BFI0XU">Watch the Full Interview</a>:<img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-4575 alignright" src="https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Recog-Alonge-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="376" height="212" srcset="https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Recog-Alonge-300x169.jpg 300w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Recog-Alonge-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Recog-Alonge-768x432.jpg 768w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Recog-Alonge-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Recog-Alonge-1170x663.jpg 1170w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Recog-Alonge-585x329.jpg 585w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Librarian-Spotlight-Recog-Alonge.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px" /> 

<pre>Dr. Ayodele John Alonge’s work is transforming librarianship, bridging digital innovation, storytelling, and social impact. His dedication to AI, digital literacy, and knowledge dissemination is shaping the future of African libraries. As he receives the Librarian of the Month award from Librarian Spotlight Africa, we celebrate his remarkable contributions. Well deserved!</pre>
Written by
<div><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adinoyijulius/">Dr Julius A. Adinoyi</a></div>
<div dir="auto">Auburn University, Alabama, USA</div>
]]></content:encoded>
					
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			</item>
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		<title>2025: A Year of Growth and Transformation</title>
		<link>https://optimisticscholar.com/2025-a-year-of-growth-and-transformation/</link>
					<comments>https://optimisticscholar.com/2025-a-year-of-growth-and-transformation/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Optimistic Scholar]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Jan 2025 23:54:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Conference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital Society School]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Library and Information Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2025 Conferences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AfLIA Conference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AI in Libraries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ALA Annual 2025]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Data Science and Libraries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital Society Showcase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital transformation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education and Innovation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Global Library Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IFLA Congress 2025]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Information Professionals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Library Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Networking Opportunities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Professional Growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sustainable Knowledge Systems]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://optimisticscholar.com/?p=4432</guid>

<description><![CDATA[Looking Ahead: 2025 Conferences and Opportunities for Growth As 2025 begins, it feels like the opening of a new chapter—a year filled with opportunities&#8230;]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Looking Ahead: 2025 Conferences and Opportunities for Growth</h3>
As 2025 begins, it feels like the opening of a new chapter—a year filled with opportunities to learn, explore, and achieve meaningful goals. For me, it’s a chance to grow as a multidisciplinary scholar in information, communication, library science, education, and digital transformation.
Moving forward with excitement, I’m ready to embrace the opportunities this year brings. Like the speed of light, may 2025 propel us closer to our dreams, overflowing with happiness, love, and unforgettable moments that make every step of the journey worthwhile.
With conferences and events spanning continents, I’m eager to innovate, collaborate, and expand professionally. Each gathering is a doorway to new connections and possibilities, strengthening our collective vision for the future.
This year, I move forward with purpose, enthusiasm, and optimism, dedicated to making a meaningful impact. The path ahead is filled with promise
<hr />
<h3>2025 Conferences &amp; Events  to Watch</h3>
<h4>1. Digital Society School Showcase</h4>
<ul>
<li>Date: January 22, 2025</li>
<li>Location: Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands</li>
<li>Details: Discover innovative solutions from trainees and partners aimed at transformation and positive impact.</li>
<li>Register: <a href="https://lnkd.in/eg6sTprw" target="_new" rel="noopener">Digital Society School Showcase</a><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4434 alignright" src="https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Digital-Society-School-213x300.jpg" alt="" width="213" height="300" srcset="https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Digital-Society-School-213x300.jpg 213w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Digital-Society-School-585x824.jpg 585w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Digital-Society-School.jpg 621w" sizes="(max-width: 213px) 100vw, 213px" /></li>
</ul>
<h4>2.Computers in Libraries 2025</h4>
<ul>
<li>Date: March 24–26, 2025</li>
<li>Location: Washington, D.C., USA</li>
<li>Details: A premier event highlighting the integration of emerging technologies into library services, offering practical insights to enhance operations through innovation.</li>
<li>Learn more: <a target="_new" rel="noopener">Computers in Libraries 2025</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>3. RLUK Conference 2025</h4>
<ul>
<li>Date: March 19–21, 2025</li>
<li>Location: UK</li>
<li>Details: Hosted by Research Libraries UK, this conference explores the evolving role of libraries as trusted spaces for knowledge and integrity, with a focus on research and collaboration.</li>
<li>Learn more: <a href="https://rlukconference.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener">RLUK Conference 2025</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>4. International Conference on AI and Sustainable Knowledge Systems (ICSKS 2025)<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4435 alignright" src="https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Karatina-Ayodele-John-Alonge--300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Karatina-Ayodele-John-Alonge--300x300.jpg 300w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Karatina-Ayodele-John-Alonge--1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Karatina-Ayodele-John-Alonge--150x150.jpg 150w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Karatina-Ayodele-John-Alonge--768x768.jpg 768w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Karatina-Ayodele-John-Alonge--585x585.jpg 585w, https://optimisticscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Karatina-Ayodele-John-Alonge-.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></h4>
<ul>
<li>Date: April 14–16, 2025</li>
<li>Location: Karatina University, Kenya</li>
<li>Details: This multidisciplinary conference explores AI&#8217;s role in sustainable knowledge systems, offering hands-on workshops and discussions on innovative solutions for global challenges. 
I&#8217;m privileged to be a co-chair for this conference, and I will be speaking on AI for Green Libraries and Sustainable Practices, focusing on how AI can enhance green libraries by optimizing resource efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable practices in information management</li>
<li>Learn more: <a target="_new" rel="noopener">ICSKS 2025</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4></h4>
<h4>5. The 6th AfLIA Conference and 8th African Library Summit</h4>
<ul>
<li>Date: May 18–23, 2025</li>
<li>Location: Windhoek International Convention Centre, Namibia</li>
<li>Details: Bringing together library professionals across Africa, this conference focuses on advocacy, leadership, and innovative practices for community engagement.</li>
<li>Learn more: <a href="https://web.aflia.net/2025-aflia-conference/" target="_new" rel="noopener">AfLIA Conference 2025</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>6. Africa Library Summit 2025</h4>
<ul>
<li>Date: May 2025 (Exact dates TBA)</li>
<li>Location: Pretoria, South Africa</li>
<li>Details: A biennial gathering of policymakers and professionals exploring sustainability, technology, and community-centered library services.</li>
<li>Learn more: <a href="https://aflis.net/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Africa Library Summit</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>7. Pan-African Data Science and Knowledge Summit</h4>
<ul>
<li>Date: June 2025</li>
<li>Location: Nairobi, Kenya</li>
<li>Details: This conference bridges data science, library science, and sustainable development, with an emphasis on open data and knowledge accessibility.</li>
<li>Learn more: <a href="https://africanopendata.org/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Pan-African Data Summit</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>8. Atla Annual 2025</h4>
<ul>
<li>Date: June 18–21, 2025</li>
<li>Location: Omni William Penn, Pittsburgh, PA, USA</li>
<li>Details: Atla Annual provides an exceptional platform for theological librarians and information professionals to connect, share ideas, and explore the latest developments in theological libraries and research.</li>
<li>Learn more: <a target="_new" rel="noopener">Atla Annual 2025</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>9. Nigerian Library Association National Conference 2025</h4>
<ul>
<li>Date: July 6–11, 2025</li>
<li>Location: Nigeria (Exact venue TBA)</li>
<li>Details: A vital platform for sharing best practices and discussing the future of library services in Nigeria, advancing the profession nationally.</li>
<li>Learn more: <a href="https://nla.ng/" target="_new" rel="noopener">Nigerian Library Association Conference</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>10. American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference 2025</h4>
<ul>
<li>Date: June 26–July 1, 2025</li>
<li>Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA</li>
<li>Details: The largest global gathering of library professionals, technologists, and educators, the ALA Conference is a hub for exploring trends and innovations shaping libraries worldwide.</li>
<li>Learn more: <a target="_new" rel="noopener">ALA Annual 2025</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>11. IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2025</h4>
<ul>
<li>Date: August 18–22, 2025</li>
<li>Location: Astana, Kazakhstan</li>
<li>Details: This flagship international event brings together professionals to discuss global access to information, emerging trends, and key challenges in the library field.</li>
<li>Learn more: <a target="_new" rel="noopener">IFLA Congress 2025</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>12. OCLC Americas Regional Council Conference</h4>
<ul>
<li>Date: September 2025</li>
<li>Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA</li>
<li>Details: Focused on advancing library services and fostering global collaboration, this event provides valuable insights into emerging technologies and practices.</li>
<li>Learn more: <a target="_new" rel="noopener">OCLC Regional Conference</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h3>Propelled Toward Dreams and Happiness</h3>
As the year unfolds, I look forward to both professional milestones and the joy of personal growth. These evets and many moe  are stepping stones to achieving my goals and creating lasting memories. May 2025 propel us all toward our dreams, filled with happiness, love, and success.
&#8211;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayoalonge/">Ayodele John Alonge </a>
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