Executives and personnel from the Khon Kaen University Library (KKU Library) recently participated in the 16th PULINET National Conference (PULINET 2026), held from 28 to 30 January 2026. The event was organised by the Institute for Innovative Learning, University of Phayao, and the Provincial University Library Network (PULINET) under the concept of “Innovative Learning: Library for All.”

The conference served as an open platform focusing on the dissemination of knowledge, the exchange of academic experiences and research in Librarianship, Information Science, and related disciplines. It also aimed to strengthen relationships among personnel, lecturers, students, and interested individuals from network institutions and other public and private organisations nationwide. This 16th PULINET National Conference was specifically intended to promote the academic potential and strength of libraries within the PULINET network and Thai higher education institutions, ensuring they truly become sustainable learning spaces for everyone in society.

During the conference, research findings were presented in both poster and oral presentation formats. All submissions had undergone appraisal by expert committees, ensuring the academic rigour and reliability of the presented work, benefiting the development of the library sector and the profession. A total of 113 results were submitted, of which 108 were approved for presentation (43 posters and 65 oral presentations). Khon Kaen University submitted 12 papers in total.

Khon Kaen University Library received four awards for its presentations at the 16th PULINET National Conference (PULINET 2026):

1. Distinguished Award (Poster – IS Category): KKU Research Hub: An Integrated Source for Research Knowledge and Skill Development

   • By Dr. Prasit Pratumrat; Associate Professor Supat Sinawat, M.D., Director of the Library; Mr. Wanchat Phumi, Deputy Director for Physical Services and Innovation; Associate Professor Kanda Saikaew, Ph.D.; Mr. Theerayut Balchon; Ms. Yosayada Sitthiwong, Head of Reference Information and Innovation Unit; Ms. Nattaon Leawprasert; Ms. Sutthilak Phadpheng, Deputy Director for Administration and Human Resources; Dr. Chantrarut Sittisomjin; Mr. Donbovornpat Meekunchorn, Assistant Director for Digital Technology and Security; Mrs. Yupaporn Thongnoi, Assistant Director for Strategic Implementation and Information Resource Management; Ms. Yaowaporn Santiwiwat; Mr. Siwanat Srisunthorn; Mrs. Yuwadee Petchara; Ms. Maethaya Saomalee; Mr. Phanuwat Uthaiban; Ms. Nittaya Sriworadechpaisan, Assistant Director for Administration, Organization, and Community Relations; Ms. Akarima Soommart, Head of Public Relations and Customer Relations Unit; Mr. Pitipong Pimpa, Head of Strategic Planning and Information Technology Unit; Ms. Piyapatchar Suwankasem; and Mr. Wichayut Sila.

2. Distinguished Award (Poster – IL Category): Workload Reduction Strategy: Creating Automatic AI Hack Life with Agentic AI to Promote Information Literacy

   • By Ms. Yosayada Sitthiwong and Mr. Theerayut Balchon.

3. Good Award (Poster – IT Category): Real-Time User Counting and Tracking System using YOLOv8 and DeepSORT in the Reading Area: A Case Study of Khon Kaen University Library

   • By Mr. Phanuwat Uthaiban and Mr. Wichayut Sila.

4. Commendation Award (Poster – IM Category): Guidelines for eBook Database Procurement to Optimise Value for Libraries in the Digital Age: A Case Study of Khon Kaen University Library

   • By Ms. Waraporn Panomsiri, Head of Acquisition and Information Resources Development Unit, and Ms. Sutthilak Phadpheng.

   •  

     

     

Ms. Akarima Soommart, Head of the Public Relations and Customer Relations Unit, Khon Kaen University Library, co-presenter of the Distinguished Award-winning poster KKU Research Hub and a panel moderator, stated, “Participating in this event allowed us to connect with fellow librarians and library staff from various institutions, exchange viewpoints, and learn numerous best practices. We also gained knowledge about new technologies, the application of AI, and the future development of library services. I am committed to applying this knowledge to enhance our services to ensure KKU Library users have the best possible experience.”

Furthermore, on 29 January 2026, KKU Library personnel served as speakers and moderators for a “Let’s Talk” panel discussion, sharing operational experiences regarding “Innovative Lifelong Learning Space.” Ms. Siriporn Tiwasing, Senior Professional Level Librarian, Khon Kaen University Library, participated as a speaker, and Ms. Akarima Soommart served as a co-moderator for the session.

The 12 works presented by Khon Kaen University at the PULINET National Conference included 7 poster presentations and 5 oral presentations, as follows:

Poster Presentations:

1. Transforming KKU Library’s Reference Service: From Ordinary Chatbot to Smart AI on LINE
   • By Ms. Akarima Soommart, Ms. Nittaya Sriworadechpaisan, Mr. Donbovornpat Meekunchorn, Jeerapol Wannaphramman, Sorawit Butyochanto, Suranuch Supso, and Associate Professor Kanda Saikaew, Ph.D.
2. AI Clinic Website: A Centralised Source of Artificial Intelligence Knowledge for Efficient Research Skill Development
   • By Ms. Yosayada Sitthiwong, Ms. Piyapatchar Suwankasem, Mr. Theerayut Balchon, and Ms. Nattaon Leawprasert.
3. KKU Research Hub: An Integrated Source for Research Knowledge and Skill Development
   • By Dr. Prasit Pratumrat, Associate Professor Supat Sinawat, M.D., Mr. Wanchat Phumi, Associate Professor Kanda Saikaew, Ph.D., Mr. Theerayut Balchon, Ms. Yosayada Sitthiwong, Ms. Nattaon Leawprasert, Ms. Sutthilak Phadpheng, Dr. Chantrarut Sittisomjin, Mr. Donbovornpat Meekunchorn, Mrs. Yupaporn Thongnoi, Ms. Yaowaporn Santiwiwat, Mr. Siwanat Srisunthorn, Mrs. Yuwadee Petchara, Ms. Maethaya Saomalee, Mr. Phanuwat Uthaiban, Ms. Nittaya Sriworadechpaisan, Ms. Akarima Soommart, Mr. Pitipong Pimpa, Ms. Piyapatchar Suwankasem, and Mr. Wichayut Sila.
4. Guidelines for eBook Database Procurement to Optimise Value for Libraries in the Digital Age: A Case Study of Khon Kaen University Library
   • By Ms. Waraporn Panomsiri and Ms. Sutthilak Phadpheng.
5. Administrative Document Management with Agentic AI: A Case Study of Khon Kaen University Library
   • By Mr. Theerayut Balchon and Dr. Prasit Pratumrat.
6. Workload Reduction Strategy: Creating Automatic AI Hack Life with Agentic AI to Promote Information Literacy
   • By Ms. Yosayada Sitthiwong and Mr. Theerayut Balchon.
7. Real-Time User Counting and Tracking System using YOLOv8 and DeepSORT in the Reading Area: A Case Study of Khon Kaen University Library
   • By Mr. Phanuwat Uthaiban and Mr. Wichayut Sila.

Oral Presentations:

1. KKU Library Podcast: Development of Audio Media to Promote Lifelong Learning in a Digital Society
   • By Ms. Siriporn Tiwasing, Mr. Sakulwong Raksin, Mr. Theerayut Balchon, Mr. Pongsathon Sillapaurai, Ms. Yaowaporn Santiwiwat, Wiwat Wannaplang, Sittidee Dongutit, and Assistant Professor Punnyasa Wisessin.
2. The Process of Selecting Student Workers to Enhance Service Quality and Create Learning Value at Khon Kaen University Library
   • By Ms. Yaowaporn Santiwiwat, Mrs. Yupa Duangphim, Mrs. Suaree Larakhee, Mrs. Penkhae Puapors, Mrs. Maliwan Siriwattanakul, Nantana Wongchomphu, Mr. Sakulwong Raksin, Mr. Weha Silpaburana, and Mr. Thanongsak Phimsunon.
3. Developing 21st-Century Skills in Library Personnel Towards the Role of Knowledge Connector through Community Radio Programmes
   • By Mrs. Sudavadee Chaidajthayakul, Ms. Siriporn Tiwasing, and Mr. Sakulwong Raksin.
4. Smart Assistant System for Research Topic Development
   • By Dr. Prasit Pratumrat and Mr. Theerayut Balchon.
5. Lost & Found Management System, Khon Kaen University Library: KKUL Digital Centralised Lost & Found Management
   • By Mr. Sakulwong Raksin, Kotchakorn Boengkonsarn, Hatsanai Damrongkij, Mr. Theerayut Balchon, and Ms. Yaowaporn Santiwiwat.