SBA opens enrolling for Sharjah International Library Conference

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) facilitated a dynamic exchange of expertise and collaboration opportunities at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition in San Diego, the world’s largest library event, that recently concluded. As the sole representative of Arab culture at the event, SBA connected cultural entities, information management institutions, and library professionals worldwide with Sharjah and the UAE.

During its participation, SBA announced the opening of registration for the 11th edition of the Sharjah International Library Conference. Coordinated alongside the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) at Sharjah Expo Centre and in collaboration with ALA, this hybrid conference offers both in-person and virtual attendance options, providing access to a global network of librarians and digitally registered exhibitors.

Scheduled for November 9-10, 2024, the Sharjah International Library Conference will feature presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities with international experts. Bilingual sessions in Arabic and English, supported by interpretation services, will cater to diverse audiences.

Key figures from SBA, including Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; Eman Bushlaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL); and Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at SBA, engaged in productive discussions with ALA representatives on collaborative initiatives in library management, future information access, and lifelong learning strategies.

Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri emphasised SBA’s commitment to advancing libraries as pivotal to building knowledge-based societies, in alignment with the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. He said, “In line with the directives and vision of His Highness Sheikh Sultan, the SBA is spearheading international efforts to underscore the central role of libraries in building a knowledge-based society, and enhance libraries’ contribution to the inclusive and sustainable development paths. The SBA seeks to achieve this objective through participation in key international events like this Conference and through organising the Sharjah International Library Conference, the only professional event ALA holds outside the US.”

He added, “In recent years, we have made considerable strides in the development of the library ecosystem in Sharjah. This year, under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA, we seek to expand international collaboration opportunities between Emirati and Arab libraries on the one hand, and knowledge institutions worldwide through the new edition of the Sharjah International Library Conference. We developed the participation mechanisms, and broadened the opportunities of making the most of the conference. Given its global platform that convenes all library professionals under one roof, we chose the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition to announce that registration in the 11th edition of the Sharjah International Library Conference is open.”

Eman Bushlaibi underscored Sharjah Public Libraries’ role in embracing global advancements in library and information management. She said, “SPL is keen on keeping up with the rapid advancements taking place within the libraries and information management sector, and the knowledge institutions around the world. This is aimed at furthering Sharjah’s impact in this sector, and underscoring its central role in the Arab region as a premier destination for professionals in this field, and a platform on which librarians and directors of knowledge institutions meet with a host of library experts.”

She added, “SPL’s responsibility exceeds the provision of knowledge sources to building communities that own research tools, lead development and progress in different service, creative, and investment sectors, both public and private, in Sharjah and the UAE. This is why we boost our efforts to broaden the scope of collaboration, expand partnerships, and gain insights into the latest trends and practices in library operations and management.”

The Sharjah International Library Conference brings together a host of librarians, authors, publishers, exhibitors, teachers, and VIPs from around the world to discuss the latest trends, legislations, and policies that shape the future of libraries.