Sharjah Book Authority participates in the American Library Association conference

Sharjah, July 10/ WAM/ The Sharjah Book Authority, during its participation in the American Library Association Conference (ALA), achieved the largest commercial grouping of libraries in the world, a series of qualitative results that enhance Sharjah international presence in the library sector, included the promotion of international libraries conferences organized by next November and understanding on new projects in the field of children’s books, as well as expanding the prospects for cooperation in databases and vocational training, and discussing technical solutions Innovative serving libraries in the Emirates and the region.

Within the most prominent results of the participation in the conference that concluded its activities in the city of San Diego, the United States, the delegation of the commission, headed by His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakad Al -Amri, CEO of the Authority, held a meeting with Sam Helmk, the president of the American Libraries Association, during which the authority’s efforts to organize the Sharjah International Library Conference and the Sharjah School Libraries Conference, and discuss cooperation opportunities in attracting more experts and specialists, in a way that enhances the status of the two conferences On the map of specialized international events.

His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakad Al -Amiri said that our participation in the American Library Association conference comes as a translation of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who made the book and the library fixed pillars of the Sharjah Civilization Project, and the foundations of an integrated approach based on knowledge as the supreme power in building man and societies and we are keen to be present effectively in the major international platforms, to present the experience of Sharjah In formulating the future of the library sector on the basis of cultural exchange, cross -border partnerships, and the integration of cognitive efforts.

He added: “We work according to the directives of Sheikha Badour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Book Authority, to enhance international cooperation in the field of knowledge, especially in the library sector, at a time when the world is in need of this type of cooperation. Universal starts from Sharjah and serves all humanity. “

For her part, Iman Bushleibi, Director of Sharjah Public Library Administration, said: “We presented during the conference a comprehensive picture of Sharjah Public Libraries, which is based on a heritage that extends for a hundred years since the establishment of the first library in the emirate in 1925, and today these libraries continue to perform their role as vital centers of knowledge and community learning, by developing their digital structure and interactive programs, where participation was an important opportunity to present this integrated model It combines the deep roots of the cultural project in Sharjah and its future directions, as well as opening paths to cooperate with specialized American institutions looking to expand the scope of partnership with libraries and knowledge centers in the Arab region.

The delegation of the commission met representatives of the “Baker & Taylor” and “Playaway” companies, and it was agreed to experience new types of interactive and directed books for children, in a move aimed at diversifying reading content and encouraging young people to read in modern methods that are in line with their interests.

During its meeting with EBSCO, the authority discussed the expansion of the digital databases available to Emirati libraries, as well as cooperation in designing applied and interactive training programs that keep pace with the developments of office work, and contribute to raising the efficiency of the cadres working in this sector.

The delegation held a number of meetings with technological solutions specialized in the library sector, during which he reviewed the latest technologies and smart systems, and to discuss cooperation opportunities to develop the digital infrastructure of libraries, in a manner that ensures more effective services to society and researchers.

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