On 9 April 2025, in response to the “2025 Macao Library Week” organised by the Macau Library and Information Management Association, Macau Millennium College held the “Cross-Border Digital Library Technology Experience Exhibition”. Library directors and team representatives from ten higher education institutions under the Macao Academic Library Alliance gathered to discuss the future development of smart libraries, focusing on the integration of cross-border library technologies with artificial intelligence and offering new ideas for the digital and intelligent development of libraries in Macao.

In his speech, Professor Cai Zhiming, Vice Rector of Macau Millennium College, noted that as an international city, Macao’s library services should combine local characteristics with the latest technologies to develop a new type of smart and efficient library that is compact yet refined, broad in reach, and distinctive in character. Through digital and intelligent transformation, the Library of Macau Millennium College can not only enhance the efficiency and scope of cross-border sharing of physical library resources, but also provide readers with more personalised services, further promoting the development of education and research in Macao as well as the cross-border library alliance.

Subsequently, Professor Tan Zehan from the School of Digital Technology of Macau Millennium College gave a detailed introduction to the College’s self-developed “Library Robotic Book Retrieval and Return System”. The system uses an A42-G-E4 smart robot, supports access to bookshelves up to 5.1 metres high, and enables precise positioning, significantly improving the efficiency of book retrieval, return, and management. Professor Tan demonstrated the entire process from book retrieval to return, showcasing the practical value of smart technologies in library services and attracting strong interest from the guests present.

The event also showcased the innovative applications of the “Cross-Border Virtual–Physical Connected Digital Library” and “Library Digital Avatar Technology”. Through a cloud platform, cross-border resources between Guangdong and Macao are integrated, allowing readers to access a vast collection of digital literature at any time. Supported by the latest artificial intelligence technologies, the system provides readers with intelligent and personalised reading services. Digital avatar technology also offers 24-hour smart consultation services, delivering an immersive interactive experience for users. These technologies will help promote the sharing of academic resources between Macao and other regions, and advance the modernisation and intelligent development of library resources.

Guests experienced the functions of the “Cross-Border Virtual–Physical Connected Library Platform” and the “Library Digital Avatar Platform” at the Macau Millennium College Library. Library representatives from various higher education institutions highly commended the practicality and forward-looking nature of the technologies, and engaged in discussions on topics such as technology implementation and resource integration.

This event provided an opportunity for in-depth exchange among members of the Macao Academic Library Alliance. Macau Millennium College will continue to promote the integration of technology and library services, supporting Macao in becoming a pioneer in the field of smart libraries. At the same time, by incorporating the latest technologies, the College aims to deepen Macao residents’ and readers’ understanding of local library services and promote reading among the wider public.

Source: Macau Millennium College Joins Hands with the Macao Academic Library Alliance to Launch the “Cross-Border Digital Library Technology Experience Exhibition”