The Department of Information Studies at East West University (EWU) organised a seminar titled "Information profession at a crossroads: future prospects" on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, at the S M Nousher Ali Lecture Gallery.
The seminar brought together faculty members, students and information professionals to discuss the changing landscape of the information profession amid rapid technological transformation.
Professor Emily Drabinski, Chair of the School of Information Studies at Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY), United States, attended the programme as the distinguished speaker. She delivered a lecture highlighting global trends, professional challenges and emerging directions for information professionals in the digital age.
Prof Dr Dilara Begum, Chairperson of the Department of Information Studies, delivered the welcome address, thanking the guests and reaffirming the department's commitment to academic excellence and engagement with information institutions.
The seminar featured an interactive question-and-answer session in which participants discussed issues such as the role of artificial intelligence in information institutions, ethical concerns related to AI integration and how professionals can respond to technological disruptions.
In his closing remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof Shams Rahman praised the seminar's academic contribution and encouraged students to look beyond traditional career paths. He highlighted the growing importance of strategic information management and the role of information professionals in decision-making, organisational growth and social development.
The seminar marked the beginning of a series of academic engagements with Prof Drabinski in Bangladesh. During her visit from 9 to 15 December 2025, she is scheduled to take part in library visits, guest lectures and workshops at EWU, aimed at strengthening collaboration between international scholars and Bangladeshi information professionals in the field of library and information science.