Focus Groups
Metadata Matters: Shaping the Future of Discovery and Impact
Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 12:00–1:00 PM EST in Salon 1, Gaillard Center
This session will review recent enhancements in Web of Science that provide deeper context, strengthen trust signals, and help institutions evaluate impact, while also exploring priorities for future development. Participants will be invited to share feedback on coverage and metadata needs that best serve the scholarly community.
Key topics include:
- Trust and transparency signals: open peer review, data citations, funding information, conflict of interest, and AI attribution
- Impact and engagement metrics: policy and patent citations, media mentions, usage, and interaction data
Presenter: Eytan Goldfinger, Director, Product Management, Clarivate
Reserve your spot
Open Access Content in Library Databases
Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 9:00–10:00 AM EST in Green Room, Gaillard Center
We are looking for input from librarians responsible for collection development and e-resource decisions on the role aggregators play in enabling discovery and use of open access content.
Participants will:
- Help us validate and prioritize ideas and screenshots for improving the scholarly research process across both subscription and open content
- Have an interest in improving access to open access content, and opinions about evaluation criteria you would expect aggregators to use
- Be willing to share your experience or problems with educating users at all levels about how to evaluate sources and research efficiently and effectively, as well as any impact the move towards open access is having on your collection decisions
Presenters: Jo-Anne Hogan, Senior Director, Product Management, Clarivate & Marc Cormier, Director, Product Management, Clarivate
Reserve your spot
We look forward to seeing you in Charleston! Stop by booth 141 to meet the team and explore what’s new.
Additional In-Person Sessions
From Stacks to Skills: How Libraries are Driving Student Engagement and Workforce Readiness
Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 2:40 pm – 3:20 pm, Carolina Ballroom, Francis Marion Hotel
As globalization and AI reshape the world of work, academic libraries are becoming essential hubs for equipping students with the skills they need to succeed. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2025 report, demand is surging for analytical thinking, technological literacy, and emotional intelligence - capabilities that go far beyond traditional academic training. At the same time, student expectations are shifting. Engagement is no longer limited to books and journals. Today’s learners interact with ebooks, videos, and AI-driven tools that demand new strategies from the library.
In this session, library leaders and educators in AI and cybersecurity will explore how libraries are evolving to meet this moment. You'll hear directly from librarians who are expanding digital collections, integrating interactive content, and piloting new tools to drive meaningful student engagement across disciplines.
This session offers practical insights for libraries looking to engage students more effectively, champion digital and AI literacy, and future-proof their services in an increasingly competitive and tech-driven world.
Speakers:
- Melissa Gonzalez, University of West Florida, Research Librarian
- Leigh Wright, Clarivate, Product Manager
- Steve Rokusek, Florida Gulf Coast University, Social Sciences Librarian
- Kenneth Bauer, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Associate Professor, Computing Science
The pulse of AI in academic libraries
Wednesday, Nov 5 at 4:00 pm - 4:40 pm, Grand Ballroom 1, Gaillard Center
AI adoption in academic libraries is no longer a question of if, but how. This panel brings together library leaders and industry experts to explore the current state of AI in academic libraries, where institutions are investing, where barriers remain, and how staff and services are being prepared for an AI-enabled future.
The discussion will be grounded in findings from the
Clarivate 2025 Pulse of the Library - a global survey of thousands of academic library professionals. The survey examines AI adoption levels, institutional priorities, staff readiness, workforce implications, and key challenges.
Speakers:
- Cynthia Hudson Vitale, Johns Hopkins University, Associate Dean, Technology Strategy & Digital Services, Sheridan Libraries and University Museums
- Leo Lo, University of Virginia, Dean of Libraries and University Librarian; Advisor to the Provost for AI Literacy
- Oren Beit-Arie, Clarivate, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Innovation, Academic and Government
- Moderated by Katy Aronoff, Director, Solution Consulting, Clarivate
Upcoming Virtual Sessions
Sustaining Scholarship: Academic Publishing in a Changing Landscape
Monday, Nov. 17 at 11:50 am - 12:30 pm
The academic publishing landscape has transformed over the years, and there are more challenges for publishers today than ever before. In the face of rising production costs, evolving digital landscapes, and new pressures associated with AI, publishers are tasked with finding cost-effective solutions while maintaining the quality and academic integrity of their works.
Join this session to hear firsthand insights from a panel of academic publishers, who will share how they are tackling the most pressing issues facing publishers today, while continuing to support academic libraries in their missions to deliver high-quality scholarly content.
Co-speakers:
- Natasha Edmonds, Clarivate, Director, Industry & Publisher Strategy
- Lily Bergh, University of Toronto Press, Director, Business Development
- Fredric Nachbaur, Fordham University Press, Director
- Matt Gallagher, Assistant Director for Collections Strategy, Binghamton University Libraries
What we've learned together: GenAI Insights, Ethics, and User Benefits
Monday, November 17, 2:50 - 3:30 PM EDT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way library users consume information. This session explores the multifaceted impact of AI in libraries, focusing on key functionalities such as “chat with a document” features and automated generation of insights from full texts. By presenting perspectives from a service provider (Clarivate), a publisher (American Psychological Association), and librarians (Rachael Clark, Wayne State University), we aim to foster a comprehensive discussion on the benefits and challenges of integrating generative AI into library services. The session will delve into the advantages for library users, while also addressing critical issues of ethics, transparency, and respect for intellectual property. Join us in examining how AI can transform libraries into dynamic hubs of knowledge, ensuring responsible and equitable use of AI technology. We will leave enough time for the audience to contribute to the discussion with their questions and experiences.
Speakers:
- Cristina Blanca-Sancho, Clarivate, Senior Director of Product Management, Strategy, Innovation and Academic AI
- Rachael Clark, Wayne State University, Collections Strategy and Assessment Librarian
Reimagining the Librarian Skillset for a Machine-Learning Era
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025, 03:50 PM - 04:30 PM EDT
AI is no longer a future concept - it's a daily reality reshaping how librarians work, teach, and support research. As generative AI tools proliferate, practicing librarians are stepping into new roles as digital educators, ethical advisors, and AI literacy champions. But with technology evolving at lightning speed, how can library professionals stay current and confident?
This session focuses on the skills library workers need now to remain relevant in the age of machine learning - from content verification to navigating bias and understanding copyright in AI-generated content. Join our panel of experts as they share insights and practical strategies for training, staying up to date, and leading the way in digital transformation.
Speakers:
- Evan Fruehauf, University of South Florida, Assistant Librarian
- Leigh Wright, Clarivate, Product Manager
- Steve Rokusek, Florida Gulf Coast University, Social Sciences Librarian
- Kyle Bylin, Saginaw Valley State University, Research & Assessment Librarian
Customer Appreciation Night
Cocktails & Conversation with Clarivate
Thursday, Nov. 6 from 6:00–9:00 PM EST at Stars Rooftop & Grill Room, 495 King Street
Enjoy complimentary food and drinks. Connect with Clarivate teams and fellow library leaders.
RSVP here
Schedules fill up fast! Set up a time to meet with one of our experts at the Charleston Conference.
