The 2026 Silk Road International Library Alliance Workshop opened in Xi'an, Northwest China’s Shaanxi province, on Oct 11 and runs through Oct 18. Hosted by the National Library of China and organized by the Shaanxi Provincial Library, the event brings together 26 representatives from 26 member institutions across 14 countries.
Themed “Digital Intelligence Empowerment and Silk Road Co-construction: Smart Library Theory and Innovative Practice”, the workshop features lectures from eight experts representing major Chinese universities and libraries.
The curriculum covers an overview of smart libraries, the evolving role of libraries in the algorithm era, key technologies for intelligent information services, the "Future Library 1.0" concept — shifting from knowledge intermediaries to cognitive intermediaries — and real-world case studies of smart library development.
Beyond the lecture hall, participants will explore Xi'an’s smart city initiatives through on-site visits and sharing sessions. By touring local cultural and museum institutions, attendees can experience firsthand how digital intelligence empowers cultural heritage preservation and modern library applications, directly connecting theory with practice.
During the opening session on Oct 12, Chen Ying, Party secretary and deputy director of the National Library of China and director of the Alliance’s steering committee office, emphasized that, as artificial intelligence and new-generation information technologies accelerate, libraries must leverage digital intelligence across their entire operational chain. She noted this integration allows for the smart aggregation of documentary resources, precise delivery of reader services, and more efficient management to meet the public's diverse needs.
She added that this is the fourth training workshop held since the Alliance's establishment, drawing a record number of participating institutions and representatives. By focusing on smart library development, the initiative aims to build an interconnected knowledge network and strengthen human resource training across Belt and Road nations.
Guo Baocai, a second-level inspector at the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, noted that, as the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Shaanxi holds a rich cultural legacy as a cradle of Chinese civilization.
He expressed hope that the workshop will foster practical cooperation among libraries along the Silk Road, particularly in resource sharing, talent exchange, and cultural preservation. He encouraged participants to tap into Silk Road archives, revitalize ancient texts, and expand international cultural exchange channels.
Marcin Werla, director of digital collections at the Qatar National Library, highlighted the library’s active engagement with the Alliance and its steady growth over recent years. He praised the Alliance's leadership in talent development and resource co-building, while voicing optimism for broader cooperation among members in digital sharing, heritage preservation, and smart-service innovation.
