A Day of Learning and Connection
In Brisbane, on Thursday 9 October, the day opened with a welcome session and a lighthearted icebreaker quiz before diving into product updates, feature discussions, a masterclass and a look at the upcoming roadmap.
The following week in Melbourne, on Tuesday 21 October, attendees joined for another engaging day of insights and discussions.
Finally, we closed the series in Wellington on Thursday 23 October – and the city absolutely lived up to its windy reputation! This final UGM was another day of learning, discussion, and networking – bringing together the same collaborative format and shared agenda that made each session such a valuable experience for attendees across all three cities.
L-R: Jacob, Suzana, and Callum of Softlink IC having a windy time at the 2025 UGM’s
Exploring New Ideas with AI
The highlight across all three cities was the AI Library Challenge, where teams – Team Human, Team Cyborg, and Team AI – were given a simple brief: design an inviting OPAC homepage and catalogue a monograph. Each team approached the challenge differently:
- Team Human focused on applying human insight to enhance metadata quality and user experience. No AI tools allowed!
- Team Cyborg blended AI support with human decision-making, exploring balanced workflows for cataloguing and promotion.
- Team AI pushed automation to the limit, using only generative tools to prototype creative solutions and time-saving templates.
The energy and creativity in the room were clear, as teams presented their ideas to the group. Attendees saw how AI can boost efficiency and spark creativity, offering new ways to enhance library workflows while keeping professional expertise at the centre.
Teams played by different rules; Team Human relied solely on professional knowledge (no tech allowed), Team Cyborg had the freedom to mix AI tools and human insight, and Team AI followed a fully automated process using a custom GPT.
Team Human swept the board with wins in all three locations, proving that while AI can accelerate ideas, it’s human expertise, creativity, and context that ultimately lead the way.
L-R: UGM attendees taking on the AI Challenge
Feedback from Our Community
Morning tea, lunch, and informal sessions offered plenty of time for conversation and connection. Many attendees said they valued learning directly from other libraries as much as from the Softlink IC team.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 UGMs once again highlighted the strength and creativity of the Softlink IC community. Attendees left with new ideas for how to use AI in their libraries, practical insights from their peers, and a clearer picture of what’s ahead for Liberty Digital and illumin.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Wellington. We’re already looking forward to continuing these conversations – and unveiling even more innovation – at next year’s UGMs.
