Theme: From Digitisation to Digital Transformation: Repositioning Information Science in the Industry 5.0
The biennial UNILISA Conference is organised to stimulate critical dialogue on transforming and repositioning Information Science, so that it remains relevant in Industry 5.0. This theme aligns with the University of South Africa’s (UNISA) catalytic niche area, namely Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Digitalisation, which promotes transformative approaches aimed at capacitating both academia and industry practitioners to digitally transform their services in ways that contribute to the development of Society 5.0.
The UNILISA conference further aligns with the University of South Africa's mission: “the African university shaping futures in the service of humanity”. In this regard, the conference seeks to provide a platform for academics, practitioners, researchers, and students in Information Science from across the globe to engage in scholarly and professional discussions on innovative approaches to digital transformation within the discipline. These engagements will explore how Information Science can be repositioned to respond to the demands of the rapidly evolving digital landscape shaped by Industry 5.0.
Through this platform, discussions will strengthen the role of galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM) in supporting knowledge societies and digitally enabled economies. Furthermore, the conference contributes to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, by promoting innovative digital infrastructures and knowledge systems that enhance access to information and support sustainable development.
To remain relevant in Industry 5.0, the GLAM must develop a workforce equipped with advanced digital competencies and innovative mindsets. At the same time, organisations within the sector must deploy modern technological infrastructure capable of supporting intelligent, immersive, and user-centred information services.
Delegates attending the UNILISA Conference will, therefore, have the opportunity to explore emerging digital infrastructures and technologies relevant to Industry 5.0. These include, among others, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cloud computing, blockchain technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Such technologies have the potential to enhance the digitisation and digital transformation of information services, enabling users to access library and information resources remotely, without the need for physical visits to libraries and information centres. Consequently, these technologies support the delivery of intelligent, integrated, and virtual information services that meet the needs of contemporary digital societies.
In light of these considerations, the organisers of the UNILISA 2027 conference invite the submission of abstracts from scholars, practitioners, and stakeholders in the field of Information Science. Submissions may address issues related to the conference theme, including, but not limited to, the following sub-themes:
Smart Libraries and Digital Information Ecosystems in Industry 5.0
Focus on transforming libraries into intelligent, user-centred, and AI-enabled environments:
Digital Archives, Records Management and Data Curation
Exploring the transformation of archives and records into dynamic digital assets:
Data Science, Analytics, and Information Intelligence
Advancing data-driven decision-making in Information Science:
Information Ethics, Governance and Policy in the Digital Age
Addressing ethical and regulatory challenges in digital transformation:
Information Access, Knowledge Management, and Societal Transformation
Repositioning information systems to support development and inclusion:
Scholarly Communication and Information Dissemination
Transforming how knowledge is created, shared, and used:
Information Science Education and Future Skills for Industry 5.0
Preparing professionals for AI-driven and human-centred environments:
Disruptive Technology for Digitisation and Digital Transformation in repositioning Information Science in Industry 5.0
Explore how disruptive technologies are transforming Information Science practices, services, and systems within a human-centred Industry 5.0 paradigm, with emphasis on intelligent automation, ethical innovation, and sustainable digital ecosystems. Artificial intelligence (AI):