The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, The Association of University Libraries in the Republic of Kazakhstan and Nazarbayev University Library invite you to the 11th Eurasian Academic Libraries Conference (EALC) with the theme “Open Access to Knowledge and Libraries: Achievements and Trends” which will be held on 27-28 October 2022 at Nazarbayev University (Astana, Kazakhstan).

This year’s conference will show the present state of open access to knowledge (Open Science, Open Educational Resources, OA technologies, etc.), the role and tasks of university libraries in promoting open access and discuss potential future developments worldwide. The Conference features distinguished researchers and engaging speakers. It will be a venue for scientific discussion, constructive exchange of ideas and the best practices through oral presentations. In addition, a range of special workshops to attract participants on wider issues on Open Access for future-ready libraries and library professionals.”

Keynote speakers include Matt Voigts, IFLA Copyright & Open Access Policy Officer, whose presentation highlights recent copyright and licensing-related challenges and opportunities related to digital access with examples from around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic urgently brought to the forefront longstanding issues with digital access, which – in addition to infrastructure factors – include copyright laws and licensing contracts most applicable to physical media, private consumers and in-person teaching. These contributed to issues libraries faced in providing access to their collections even as they explored innovative digital lending and information sharing solutions. As we look toward the future, and legal cases work their way through courts in America and elsewhere related to eBook pricing and digitized collections, the capacity to lend and disseminate knowledge remains bolstered by open access policies and copyright laws designed for digital lending with flexibility toward developing technologies.