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 role 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. In her lecture, she highlighted 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, expressing gratitude to the guests and reaffirming the department’s commitment to academic excellence and engagement with information institutions.

The programme featured an interactive question-and-answer session in which participants discussed issues such as the role of artificial intelligence in information institutions, ethical challenges related to AI integration and how information professionals can effectively respond to technological disruptions.

In his closing remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof Shams Rahman praised the seminar’s intellectual contribution and encouraged students to look beyond traditional career paths. He emphasised the importance of strategic use of information and the role of information professionals in decision-making, organisational growth and societal 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.