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This paper aims to describe a hybrid academic library system and to draw up a model of this system suggesting strategies and scenarios for achieving optimum performance of the system in a technology changing world.

The mixture of traditional or manual ways of carrying out library operations with new, modern, automated systems often brings about several problems. The problems are ones that can be tackled within the framework of having appropriate systems dynamics routines applied and also making use of personnel skilled in strategic management of hybrid library systems.

A system dynamics model for the management of the system is developed around the issues of personnel management, collection management, capacity building and provision of access to research materials, information technology infrastructure, forming of consortia and security in the system.

Recommendations are made as to which strategy/scenario or combinations of scenarios will provide lasting solutions to the problems recurring or likely to reoccur in a hybrid academic library system.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are technologies gaining more ground, and their uses in libraries and for educational purposes are expanding.

Ethical and legal issues in the use of VR and AR are bound to arise in future if the technology is used for less-than-laudable functions.

For now, the Western world uses both technologies more, even though it is free and, in some cases, less expensive than before now.

It superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, providing a composite view. Both technologies aim to make the user feel a sense of being there and experiencing what is being viewed in real time.

This edition of this study aims to focus on augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in libraries and museums, as seen from the internet cyber sphere including blogs. It takes a look at the first quarter of 2018 and analyzes the trending issues within the period, highlighting examples of some institutions that make use of VR and AR. The advantages of the use of VR, AR and sometimes mixed reality are also pointed out.

Libraries, archives and museums are increasingly using AR/VR technologies in their service delivery because it is trending. The year 2018 is expected to be huge for VR technology.

Facebook is the largest investor in AR and VR, and because Facebook is also extremely popular, many are opportune to have a go at VR and AR through the use of the Facebook social media platform.

VR “involves using 3D graphics and advanced interactions to immerse a real-world user in a simulated environment”, by the description of the University of Indiana University, Bloomington’s Blogspot. AR stands for extended reality and actually, in technical terms, means a combination of virtual and real reality (UWS, 2018). Both VR and AR, 3D printing and other technologies have altered how people live and work.

The purpose of the paper is to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in academic research, highlighting their potential to transform various stages of the research process. AI tools are transforming academic research, offering numerous benefits and challenges.

Academic research is undergoing a significant transformation with the emergence of (AI) tools. These tools have the potential to revolutionize various aspects of research, from literature review to writing and proofreading. An overview of AI applications in literature review, data analysis, writing and proofreading, discussing their benefits and limitations is given. A comprehensive review of existing literature on AI applications in academic research was conducted, focusing on tools and platforms used in various stages of the research process. AI was used in some of the searches for AI applications in use.

The analysis reveals that AI tools can enhance research efficiency, accuracy and quality, but also raise important ethical and methodological considerations. AI tools have the potential to significantly enhance academic research, but their adoption requires careful consideration of methodological and ethical implications. The integration of AI tools also raises questions about authorship, accountability and the role of human researchers. The authors conclude by outlining future directions for AI integration in academic research and emphasizing the need for responsible adoption.

As AI continues to evolve, it is essential for researchers, institutions and policymakers to address the ethical and methodological implications of AI adoption, ensuring responsible integration and harnessing the full potential of AI tools to advance academic research. This is the contribution of the paper to knowledge.

It reports new research and innovative ideas and technology presented at the UKSG Conference held in Glasgow, Scotland. The report is to disseminate outcomes from the conference plenaries, lightning talks, breakout sessions and exhibitions. Topics like open access, global equity, artificial intelligence and scholarly communication, research archiving and preservation among others are described as presented during the conference.

This paper uses the viewpoint method in reporting a United Kingdom Serials Group (UKSG) experience of a conference held in April, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland.

The scholarly community debated much that is trending on various topics and concluded that a lot needs to be done in collaborations, open access, research into new ways of dealing with contemporary issues and new technologies.

The paper presents the issues discussed at the UKSG Conference 2023 have not been presented before. Current trends are brought to the fore.