Artificial Intelligence Symposium 2023

Workshops - Monday 4 and Wednesday 6 September

Workshop 1: Developing robotics for the LIS environment - Prof Pieter van Vuuren
Monday 4 September, 11:00 - 12:30

The workshop will be presented by the NWU School of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering. It will introduce participants to the development of the NWU LIS robots and include a physical tour of the Makerspace.

Workshop 2: 5IR technologies in libraries: the use of Internet of Things and cloud computing technology to provide Library and information services in the industry 5.0 - Dr MT Modiba
Time: Wednesday, 6 September, 14:50-16:30

The workshop shall introduce participants to cloud computing. Cloud computing technology is a data storage technology model for information technology services that many organizations and individuals are adopting during the fifth industrial revolution. This also includes the library and information sector. Users can access these services available on the “internet cloud” without having any previous knowledge of how to manage the resources involved. It gives users access to storage, files, software, and servers through their internet-connected devices: computers, smartphones, tablets, and wearables. The purpose of the workshop is to showcase the adoption of cloud computing technology for the management of library services in the 5IR.

Programme: AIS 2023

3r^d IFLA IT Section Artificial Intelligence Symposium (AIS) 2023
North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa, 5-7 September 2023

 

• PDF Programme
• Speakers Booklet
• Special Issue: South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science (SAJLIS)

Day 1		4 September, Monday
10:30		Registration
11:00-12:30		Workshop 1: Developing robotics for the LIS environment ~ Prof. Pieter van Vuuren Venue: Faculty of Engineering Building N1A (Calderbank Ave) At the Faculty of Engineering gate, present your university card or ID Card or complete the entrance register. From Featherhill Boutique Hotel: 1. Turn left onto R501 2. Turn right onto Gerrit Dekker St 3. Turn right onto Calderbank Ave 4. Turn left at Reiger St 5. After you enter the gate, turn left at the roundabout and follow the road to the front of N1A.
12:30-18:00		Excursion: Vredefort Dome ~ Excursion facilitated by Prof Frans Waanders
Day 2		5 September, Tuesday
08:00-08:30		Registration
08:30-09:00		Choir and singing of National Anthem
09:00-09:05		Programme Director ~ Mr Jabu Sithole
09:05-09:15		Introduction and Logistics ~ Ms Neli Tshabalala
09:15-09:25		NWU LIS 4IR context ~ Dr Mathew Moyo
09:25-09:45		Welcome Address: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Information Technology and Potchefstroom Campus Operations ~ Prof Daryl Balia
09:45-10:05		Address by IFLA Divisional Chair: AI on the move: From the Skynet to ChatGPT ~ Dr Edmund Balnaves
10:05-10:35		Keynote Speaker: The Great Expectations and Daunting Risks of Artificial Intelligence ~  Prof Arthur G.O. Mutambara
10:35-10:55		Tea
		Facilitator:  Prof Henri Marais
10:55-11:15		Universities Learning Futures in South Africa: A Case Study of a National Initiative with Historically Disadvantaged Institutions ~ Dr Birgit Schreiber-Dewes (Virtual)
11:15-11:35		Artificial Intelligence use in academic libraries: Possibilities of digital twinning ~ Prof Lorette Jacobs and Ms. Lizette Wessels
11:35-11:55		From Imagination to Automation: The Iterative Design Process Behind the Kletsbek-Kitso NWU Library Robot ~ Mr  Francis Anesu Phineas Tembo
11:55-12:15		The development of an Africentric robot: Shaka Zulu project ~ Ms Ayogeboh Epizitone
12:15-12:35		Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Advance Digital Transformation in Higher Education ~ Mr Andile Swartbooi
12:35-13:30		Lunch
		Facilitator: Mr Wouter Klapwijk
13:30-13:50		Will AI Really Replace Catalogers? ~ Dr Shoshana de la Fuente
13:50-14:10		Autonomous Artificial Intelligence and Machine Ethics ~ Mr Samuel Simango
14:10-14:30		Optimising the student experience: Harnessing the potential of AI for improved learning and empowerment ~ Ms Andiswa Msi
14:30-14:50		The utilisation of Artificial Intelligence for the provision of information services at the University of Limpopo Library in South Africa ~ Ms Phuti Rabatseta
14:50-15:00		Exploring Gamification Strategies for Effective Digital Information Literacy Instruction ~ Mr Sylvester Jeffries (PechaKucha)
15:00-15:20		Tea
		Stream 1	Stream 2
		Facilitator: Mr Ntobeko Sikhakhane	Facilitator: Ms May Chang
15:20-15:40		Adventures in navigating the rhizome: Interactive creative non-fiction in undergraduate modules ~ Dr Janelize Morelli	The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Manufacturing Industry in South Africa ~ Mr Manqoba Nzama, Prof. Oludayo O. Olugbara, Ms Smangele Moyane, Mr Ntando Nkomo, Ms Ayogeboh Epizitone and Dr Peggy Mthalane
15:40-16:00		Total Quality in Libraries using Artificial Intelligence ~ Prof Cristian Maturana	Artificial Intelligence-Based Literature Review Process Adaptation ~  Mr Selema Molopa
16:00-16:20		Exploring the adoption of robotics in teaching and learning in Higher Education Institutions ~ Ms. Samkelisiwe Phokoye, Ms. Ayogeboh Epizitone, Mr. Ntando Nkomo, Dr. Peggy Mthalane and Ms. Smangele Moyane	Adoption of AI, the analysis of South Africa ~ Mr Lesedi Nchabeleng
16:20-16:40		Panel Discussion on Ethics of AI: To chat or not to chat, is that the correct question?  ~ Prof Pieter van Vuuren
16:40-17:00		Wrap-up panel discussion ~ Dr Edmund Balnaves, moderator
18:00-		Cocktail function
Day 3		6 September, Wednesday
08:15-09:00		Registration
09:00-09:05		Introduction and logistics ~ Mr. Maropene Ramabina
		Facilitator: Mr Wynand van der Walt
09:05-09:35		Keynote Speaker: Can I use ChatGPT to generate a fully AI-authored thesis? Reflecting on prompting strategies, useful detection tools ~ Dr Kirstin Krauss
09:35-09:55		Enroute to an AI strategy by following practical use case markers ~  Mr Wouter Klapwijk and Mr Norman Hebler
09:55-10:15		Ethics of artificial intelligence systems in teaching and learning ~ Mr Mthokozisi Luthuli, Mr Ntando Nkomo, Ms Ayogeboh Epizitone, Dr Peggy Mthalane and Ms Smangele Moyane
10:15-10:35		Integrating real-world cases on the use of generative AI into an assessment of the 2nd year business information systems subject to assess ethical use of information in the digital age ~ Dr  Lynn Kleinveldt
10:35-10:55		Tea
		Facilitator: Mr Andile Swartbooi
10:55-11:25		Keynote Speaker: Generative AI and Libraries: Challenges and Opportunities ~ Ms Iman Khamis
11:25-11:45		Artificial Intelligence in libraries: A friend or Foe? ~ Mrs Yumnaa Ocks
11:45-12:05		Artificial intelligence technology to enhance data quality management practices in the banking industry in South Africa ~ Ms Talifhani Ramaliba and Prof Lorette Jacobs
12:05-12:25		The role that IFLA regional structures can play in the AI space ~ Ms Nthabiseng Kotsokoane
12:25-12:45		A proposed framework for developing a digital literacy course for artificial intelligence in academic libraries ~ Dr Josiline Chigwada (Virtual)
12:45-13:45		Lunch
		Facilitator: Ms. Andiswa Msi
13:45-14:05		The implementation of artificial intelligence for efficient academic library services ~ Ms Nombuso Zondi, Ms Ayogeboh Epizitone, Mr Ntando Nkomo, Dr Peggy Mthalane and Ms Smangele Moyane
14:05-14:25		AI in Digital Archiving: Overcoming Constraints and Meeting Demands ~ Ms. Rebecca Bakker and Ms. Molly Castro (Virtual)
14:25-14:45		Virtual Learning Environment: Effects on Learning Process and Outcome in Universities in Nigeria ~ Dr Ngozi B. Ukachi, Ms Ogechi Agim and Dr Helen Akinade (Virtual)
14:45-15:00		Tea
15:00-16:30		Workshop 2: 5IR technologies in libraries: the use of Internet of Things and Cloud computing technology to provide Library and information services in the industry 5.0 ~ Dr Mashilo Modiba
16:30-17:00		Wrap-up panel discussion - Dr Edmund Balnaves, moderator
19:00-		Gala dinner
Day 4		7 September, Thursday
08:15-09:00		Registration
09:00-09:10		Introduction and logistics ~ Mr Cecil Gasa
		Facilitator: Dr Tiyani Mabunda
09:10-09:40		Keynote Speaker: Application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the management of library and information services in the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) ~ Dr Mashilo T. Modiba
09:40-10:00		AI in Scholarly Communications Friend or Foe ~ Mr Charlie Molepo
10:00-10:20		Disciplinary knowledge and comparative prompting strategy analysis: How an academic librarian and a researcher approached topic discovery and keyword identification using AI as a tool ~ Dr Kirstin Krauss and Mr Wynand van der Walt
10:20-10:40		The integration of artificial intelligence in Higher Education Institutions' workforce ~ Ms Mbalenhle Khumalo, Ms Ayogeboh Epizitone, Mr Ntando Nkomo, Dr Peggy Mthalane and Ms Smangele Moyane
10:40-11:00		Tea
		Facilitator: Dr Sabelo Chizwina
11:00-11:20		Integrating AI chatbot on the Academic Library Website ~ Ms Rosina Ramokgola
11:20-11:40		Future of Teaching and Learning Analytics at the NWU ~ Mrs Ciellie Jansen van Vuuren
11:40-12:10		Keynote Speaker: Artificial intelligence and associated tools and policies in editorial decision making ~ Mrs Susan Veldsman
12:10-12:30		Closing Remarks ~ Ms May Chang
12:30-13:30		Lunch
13:30		End of Conference
13:30-		Excursion: Lekwena Wildlife Excursion
Day 5		8 September, Friday
09:00-		Excursions: Bona Bona Game Drive or Johannesburg Sight-Seeing

Theme

The central conference theme is Artificial Intelligence in Teaching, Learning, and Research: Promoting Digital Access to Information through Automation.

The subthemes are as follows:

1. Artificial intelligence

• Robotics Process Automation
• Humanoid Robots for libraries
• Natural Language Processing
• Speech processing (Text-speech solutions)
• Machine Learning
• Deep Learning

2. Robots in industry and education

• AI-assisted learning
• Intelligence for applications and workflows
• Agile processes for personalised learning
• Library Chatbot
• AI Ethics and safety
• Preservation of Indigenous knowledge

3. E-learning

• e-Learning Tools
• Virtual Learning Environments
• Web-Based Learning
• Social interactions
• Gamification

4. Machine Visualisation

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Modelling and Simulation
• Extended Reality (Virtual reality, Augmented Reality & Mixed Reality)
• Image Processing

5. Infrastructure & computation

• AI and security systems
• AI in the cloud
• Blockchain
• Smart Sensor Networks
• Communication Systems and networks

6. Technology & Trends

• Digitalisation
• Big Data
• Data Analytics
• Internet of things
• Data ethics and innovation

7. AI literacy and Governance

• AI strategy in the organisation
• Workforce development and competency building in AI
• Developing digital literacy courses for AI

 

Abstracts and Submissions

We invite papers for the 2023 Artificial Intelligence Symposium: 3rd IFLA Symposium on Artificial Intelligence. North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

• Please submit your abstracts using this Google Form.
• For more information, contact:
  • Ms. Neli Tshabalala (NWU: Director Shared Services) at neli.tshabalala@nwu.ac.za
  • Mr. Lizwi Njani (NWU: Business Analyst) at lizwi.njani@nwu.ac.za
  • Dr. Edmund Balnaves, IFLA IT Section Chair (Director Prosentient Systems, Australia) at ebalnaves@prosentient.com.au

Submission Types

Virtual and face-to-face paper presentations:
The paper presentations must be no more than 20 minutes long. After the presentation, question time will be allowed. 

Poster presentations:
Design the poster so that it is easy to read and include some visuals or charts. At the top of the poster, the title and author's names and affiliations must be indicated. The poster size should be A1 international paper size in portrait format.

PechaKucha
These sessions should cover work-in-progress reports, new developments, innovations, and good practices. The narrated slide show is short, focused, visually appealing, and inspiring.

Panel discussions
Panel discussions will be accommodated. These discussions should address a common theme.

 

Partnerships and stakeholders

IFLA IT Section participation 

IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) promotes libraries as vital institutions that enhance people's lives through equitable access to knowledge and information. Innovation and the principles of freedom of access to information through the indiscriminate use of technology and various platforms are embraced. 

The symposium advances the interests of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) objectives by promoting partnerships and collaborations. The conference will be interdisciplinary and involve different NWU internal stakeholders. It will promote national and international imperatives on the AI agenda, processes, and systems with the involvement of other interested universities, such as the University of Pretoria and Sol Plaatje University. The Government departments, such as the Department of Basic Education, will be among the other stakeholders. A few IFLA IT Section and AI SIG objectives that link to the proposed venture are reflected below: 

• Encouraging the development of e-services in libraries and supporting innovation.
• Promoting and encouraging the accessibility of resources.
• Representing members' interests worldwide to promote high provision and service standards.
• Preservation of knowledge regarding the knowledge database created and research generated from the AI and Robotics projects, focusing on research.
• Responding to users' needs while applying high ethical standards. Worldwide ideals should be reflected in private, public, and voluntary services.
   

 

South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB)

The South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) is a ‘one-stop solution’ for independent information and assistance, giving neutral advice on all aspects of hosting and organising any business event in South Africa.

You can find decent conference venues, convention centres, hotels and bed and breakfasts anywhere worldwide. In South Africa, we have plenty of that, too. But if you’re looking for a destination where you can be inspired by the people, sights, sounds and unrivalled tenacity that has seen so many thrive worldwide, South Africa is everything you’re looking for and more.

 

 

Committees

Committee Leaders

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Organising Committee

The organising committee is comprised of various stakeholders. 

North-West University (NWU)

NWU Library & Information Service (LIS)

• Neli Tshabalala: Director Shared Services
• Cecil Gasa: Manager: Library Systems - Shared Services
• Dr Sabelo Chizwina: Director of Information & Learning Services
• Ntobeko Sikhakhane: Manager of Information Resources
• Adri Jansen: Special Collections Librarian
• Lindi Mahlangu: Librarian: Undergraduate Support

Administration Team

• Helet Swanepoel
• Henriëtte Groenewald

Finance Team

• Alta Victor
• Asha Hembly

Web Services

• Elize van Eldik

NWU IT: Academic Support Services

• Andiswa Msi: Director, IT Academic and Office Solutions
• Lizwi Njani: Business Analyst, IT Academic and Office Solutions

NWU Teaching, Learning & Research: Faculty of Engineering

• Prof Pieter van Vuuren: Professor, School of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering
• Prof Henri Marias: Professor, School of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering

IFLA IT Section and AI SIG

• Dr. Edmund Balnaves, IFLA Divisional Chair - Director Prosentient Systems, Australia
• Dr. Andrew Cox, Convenor IFLA  AI SIG - Senior Lecturer University of Sheffield - Information School, United Kingdom 
• May Chang: Mentor IT Section and Committee Member AI SIG - Library Chief Technology Officer, University of Cincinnati, United States of America
• Chipa Maimela: Committee Member AI SIG - Senior Coordinator: Training (Library) University of Pretoria, South Africa

University of Pretoria

• Mr Lazarus Matizirofa: Deputy Director - Scholarly Communications, Digital Services & Systems

Sol Plaatje University

• Mr. Kagiso Ledwaba: Information Librarian, Humanities

Registration Fees and Steps *** Registration Closed ***

• Early bird registration: 9 June - 19 August 2023
• Online registration: 20 August - 29 August 2023

Registration Fees

• Note: The registration fee includes the workshops but does not include the cocktail function, gala dinner, or excursion.

Registration steps

Step 1: Invoice Information

If you require an invoice, please complete the Application for an NWU customer code form. (Save the form to your computer before you complete it. It will ensure that the drop-down menu functions appropriately. Complete only the relevant fields on the form).

Note: For us to issue you an invoice, your institution/company needs to have a customer code from North-West University. If you do not have a customer code, please complete the Application for an NWU customer code form before you continue with the registration form. The registration form will request this code if you require an invoice.

Please email the completed Application for an NWU customer code form and a copy of your ID/Passport to Helet.Swanepoel@nwu.ac.za.

 

Step 2: Registration Form *** REGISTRATIONS CLOSED ON 29 AUGUST ***

• Complete the online registration form.

 

Step 3: Payment

• Make an online payment (when you make an online payment, a receipt will be emailed to you) or
• Pay via bank deposit or transfer:
  Bank name:  ABSA
  Account holder name: North-West University
  Account name: NWU Diverse
  Bank account number: 670642313
  Branch code: 632005
  Account type: Cheque
  Swift code: ABSAZAJJ
  Reference:  
  AI-Surname and Initials  or
  AI-NWU Customer code (if available)
  After registration and payment, please email your proof of payment to Helet Swanepoel at Helet.Swanepoel@nwu.ac.za.

 

Payment and Cancellation Policy

• The registration of participation is binding.
• If you have to cancel your registration, you can get 80% back until 30 days before the start of the event. In all other cases, the participants' financial responsibilities remain fully effective.
• The participation fees are owed upon registration and are payable within seven days following registration submission (but not later than seven days before the starting day of the event). Payment will be made via the NWU shop using a credit card or wire transfer.
• Participation is not guaranteed until full payment of the registration fee is received.
• Participation that has already been registered can be transferred to another person from the same organisation without any extra charge.
• The conference program may be subject to changes.
• Payments will be refunded if the organiser cancels the conference. In that case, the organiser will have no further liability to the client. Registrations remain valid if the conference has to be postponed.

Venue, Directions and Shuttle Services

Map

Directions from Potchefstroom:

• Head on R501 from Potchefstroom
• Turn right onto the Dagbreek (restricted usage) road next to Tuscany Ridge Estate.
• Follow the road for 1.8 km to the top of the hill and turn right.
• Turn left once you have passed the CRC Church.

 

Car Rental and Shuttle Services

• Avis Car Rental
• Hertz Car Rental
• Budget Car Rental
• BLUU Car Rental
• Citybug Shuttle Service
• Lime Time Shuttle Service
• Flamwood Shuttle Service

Recommended Accommodation

• The Feather Hill 
  Email: reservations@thefeatherhill.co.za
  Telephone: +27(0)66 429 9996
• Oudrift Riverside Lodge (3.5 km from the conference venue)
  Standard Room: B&B - R895.00 PP
  Standard Room: B&B and Dinner - R1174.00 PP
  info@oudrift.co.za
  Telephone: +27 (0)82 441 2370 or +27 (0)18 297 4939
• Adato Guest House (7.5 km from the conference venue)
  B&B - R885.00 PP
  B&B and Dinner - R1150.00 PP
  admin@adatoguesthouse.co.za
  Telephone: +27 (0)18 294 5244
• Feather Hill recommended accommodation list (List of accommodation close to the Feather Hill venue.)
• Alternative accommodation:

Functions and Excursions

Cocktail Function: Tuesday, 5 September

• Attendance fee ZAR 600 per person
• Time: 18:00
• Venue: Feather Hill Hotel
• Dress code: Smart Casual

Gala Dinner: Wednesday, 6 September

• Attendance fee ZAR 600 per person
• Time: 19:00
• Venue: Feather Hill Hotel
• Dress code: Vintage or Traditional Attire
• Cash bar available

 

Excursions

Note:

• The excursion is not included in your registration fee.
• Excursion fees include the entrance fee and the shuttle to the venue, depending on your choice.
• Excursion fees do not include food and beverages. They will be available at all the venues for your pocket.
• If there are not enough participants, the trip will be cancelled, and you will receive a full refund.

Excursion Options:

Exhibitors

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Contact Information

Neli Tshabalala
NWU: Library and Information Service, Director Shared Services
Organising Committee
neli.tshabalala@nwu.ac.za

Dr. Edmund Balnaves
IFLA Divisional Chair - Director Prosentient Systems, Australia
ebalnaves@prosentient.com.au

May Chang
Mentor IT Section and Committee Member AI SIG - Library Chief Technology Officer, University of Cincinnati, United States of America
may.chang@uc.edu

Cecil Gasa
NWU: Library and Information Service, Manager Library Systems
Organising Committee
cecil.gasa@nwu.ac.za

Lizwi Njani
NWU: IT Academic and Office Solutions, Business Analyst
lizwi.njani@nwu.ac.za