Mohammed bin Rashid Library and Al Wasl University launch the First International Conference on Library and Information Sciences

In a step aimed at anticipating the future of library and information sciences and keeping pace with the rapid developments in this field, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, in partnership with Al Wasl University, is organizing the first international conference on library and information sciences entitled “Library and Information Sciences in the Academic Map between the Challenges of Artificial Intelligence and Data Sciences,” under The slogan “The Future of Knowledge Workers” will be held throughout the days of Wednesday and Thursday, January 29 and 30, in its main theater.

The conference witnesses the participation of a group of experts, academics, and those interested in library and information sciences, to discuss innovative solutions and exchange ideas on how to confront the challenges of digital transformation and enhance the efficiency of workers in this vital field.

Dr. Mohammed Salem Al Mazrouei, Member of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, said: “Since the founding of our library, we have placed it at the top of our priorities and within our strategy to be a forum for creating, sustaining and developing the future of the public library sector, through joint cooperation in organizing and hosting local, regional and international conferences. Which certainly contributes to coming up with recommendations that will contribute to keeping pace with the transformations that the library and information sector is witnessing in light of the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies.”

He continued: “The First International Conference on Library and Information Sciences is an extension of this vision and thought, and constitutes a unique platform that brings together experts, researchers and decision makers, aiming to formulate practical recommendations and proposals that contribute to drawing a future map for the library and information sector, in addition to developing a flexible and renewed vision that supports all initiatives that consolidate “The role and place of knowledge in our societies, and supports confronting the challenges imposed by artificial intelligence technologies on this pioneering sector.”

For his part, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ahmed Abdul Rahman, Director of Al Wasl University, said: “The organization of this conference comes in response to an urgent need to deal with the huge amount of information and data using artificial intelligence techniques, which have become a living reality and a hoped-for future, and consolidate the sustainability and dissemination of knowledge, especially in library sciences.” And information, which is an urgent forward-looking vision for the future, confirms the UAE’s leadership in using artificial intelligence technologies to achieve the well-being of knowledge, information management and big data and their investment, for the benefit of those working in the field of libraries and information in particular, and for UAE society in general.

The conference includes 5 scientific sessions that discuss various aspects of artificial intelligence in libraries and information, in addition to an introductory session that reviews the reality of libraries in the United Arab Emirates with the participation of the most prominent library institutions in the country such as the library and the National Archives in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Public Libraries, the Juma Al Majid Center for Heritage and Culture, and the Emirates Public Libraries Association. With a session highlighting the experience of the Mohammed bin Rashid Library in the public library sector.

Through its first edition, the conference seeks to encourage the use of artificial intelligence and data science in library and information programs and institutions, and to explore strategies and plans for library and information programs and institutions to activate artificial intelligence and data science, in addition to reviewing the best practices and resources available in the field of artificial intelligence used in library science education and institutions. information, and enhancing awareness of the role of artificial intelligence and data science technologies, and related technologies in library and information programs and institutions, in addition to anticipating the future of library and information science education in light of artificial intelligence and data science technology and their impact on workers in Library and information professions.

The conference discusses four main topics that address artificial intelligence and data science in library and information programs and institutions, employing artificial intelligence applications and the foundations of data science in academic programs for library and information science, employing artificial intelligence applications and the foundations of data science in library and information institutions, and professional implications for activating the role of artificial intelligence and data science. In library and information programs and institutions.