On October 22–23, 2026, the 14th Eurasian Academic Libraries Conference (EALC 2026) was held at Nazarbayev University on the theme "Library as a Center of Dialogue: Integrating Communities through Communication."

The conference was organized by the Nazarbayev University Library with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and in cooperation with the Association of University Libraries of Kazakhstan.

Welcome speeches were delivered to the participants by:

Kadisha Dairova - Representative of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Gulmira Kanay - Vice President of Nazarbayev University, Samantha Smidt - Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at Nazarbayev University, Bakhytzhan Orazaliyev - President of the Association of University Libraries of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Asemgul Temirkhanova - Director of the Nazarbayev University Library.

Key Highlights of the Program:
Plenary Session: Reports defining the international development vector of academic libraries were presented. B. Rosenblum (University of Kansas, USA) analyzed cross-border library partnership models in his presentation "Between Kazakhstan and Kansas: Library Cooperation Across Steppes and Plains." Ji-Yeon Lee (Korean Library Association, Republic of Korea) highlighted strategic approaches to developing library communities in the context of digital transformation.

Sectional Sessions: Discussions focused on conceptual frameworks for data integration aimed at AI-based intelligent library operations. K. E. Smith (University of Kansas, USA) presented a model for moving from innovation to collaborative representation, focusing on internal entrepreneurship as a driver of strategic change. A joint presentation by representatives of the American University of Central Asia Library (Zh. Bekbalaeva, T. Kozhokanova, M. Kerimova) was dedicated to creating collaborative library ecosystems based on regional case studies.

"From Function to Foundation: AI, Research, Information Management, and the Role of Academic Libraries" Section: This session was practical in nature and featured presentations from global scientific information providers: Platinum Sponsor: MikroInfo-IGroup, Gold Sponsors: Clarivate, Elsevier, Wiley, Silver Sponsors: Springer Nature, IEEE, Oxford University Press, EBSCO, Cambridge University Press, Wolters Kluwer
Speakers demonstrated modern tools for research data management, research performance analysis, and platform solutions supporting the complete research cycle-from information search and verification to publishing and citation metrics.

"Sharing Success Stories and Best Practices in Academic Libraries" Section: E. D. Beaman-Cavallaro (University of South Florida, USA) presented a communication strategy to expand library impact by rethinking library cooperation models. A. Khalyukov ("Pulse of Science") analyzed rating strategies for Kazakhstan's integration into the global research space and their measurable outcomes. A. Abushawar (Wiley) focused on infrastructure support throughout the scientific research cycle.

Feedback from Participant: Toty Alimbekerova, Director of the Scientific Library of M. Utemisov WKU, shared her impressions: "These two days were rich, intensive, and provided immense professional experience. I met many colleagues and exchanged valuable ideas. I gained insights from every presentation and will strive to apply this knowledge in my work." She expressed her gratitude to the university leadership and the conference organizers. The gained experience and new ideas will be implemented in the operations of the Scientific Library of M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University.