What Is the Role of Reading in the Age of Artificial Intelligence?

In an age when artificial intelligence can answer questions in seconds, how important is reading books? As digital technologies continue to evolve, the ways we acquire knowledge are changing too. Yet books remain an important source of knowledge and discovery.

The library collection at NIS Almaty-Medeu has been expanded with new publications available to students and teachers. In addition, the school’s librarians took part in a national seminar and training programme focused on the impact of artificial intelligence and digital transformation on the library sector.

New Books-New Worlds

The school library has received new books that are now available to students and teachers. The collection includes works by prominent Kazakhstani figures and writers, including Uzbekali Zhanibek, Kanysh Satpayev, Sherkhan Murtaza and Saule Doszhan.

The updated collection features novels, detective fiction, fantasy, motivational literature and works from other genres. Each book offers readers an opportunity to discover new ideas, broaden their horizons and explore different perspectives.

Libraries and Artificial Intelligence: New Opportunities

On 1–2 October 2026, a two-day seminar and training programme entitled “The Library in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Digital Transformation and New Opportunities” was held at the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the event, participants explored the integration of artificial intelligence into library services, the development of digital collections, improvements to electronic catalogues and the application of international best practices.

Representing our school, librarians Rima Zarukhayeva and Inkar Baibekova attended the seminar, expanding their professional knowledge and exchanging experience with colleagues.

Although artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities, books continue to play a unique role in developing critical thinking, nurturing imagination and deepening knowledge. Bringing modern technologies together with a culture of reading is an important part of developing today’s educational environment.