Ahmed Al Ameri: We are participating in shaping the future of the library sector on the basis of cultural exchange.

SAN DIEGO, USA – The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) achieved a series of significant results during its participation in the American Library Association ( ALA ) conference, the world’s largest trade gathering for libraries. These achievements strengthen Sharjah’s international presence in the library sector. These included promoting the international library conferences that the authority will organize next November, agreeing on new projects in the field of children’s books, expanding cooperation in databases and vocational training, and exploring innovative technical solutions that serve libraries in the UAE and the region.

Among the most prominent outcomes of the Authority's participation in the conference, which recently concluded in San Diego, USA, was a meeting between the Authority's delegation, headed by His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, and Sam Helmick, President of the American Library Association. The meeting reviewed the Authority's efforts in organizing the Sharjah International Library Conference and the Sharjah School Libraries Conference, and discussed opportunities for cooperation in attracting more experts and specialists, thus enhancing the status of the two conferences on the map of specialized international events.

Knowledge is the power of human construction

Commenting on the participation, His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: “Our participation in the American Library Association conference embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has made books and libraries solid pillars of Sharjah’s cultural project and established an integrated approach based on knowledge as the supreme force in building individuals and societies. From this standpoint, we at the Authority are keen to be actively present on major international platforms to showcase Sharjah’s experience and participate in shaping the future of the library sector on the basis of cultural exchange, cross-border partnerships, and the integration of knowledge efforts.”

Al Ameri added: “We are working, under the directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, to enhance international cooperation in the field of knowledge, particularly in the library sector, at a time when the world is in dire need of this type of cooperation. Pioneering achievements can only be achieved through an interconnected system of institutions and stakeholders around the world, and this is what we seek to achieve through our international conferences and ongoing initiatives to build a global knowledge network that stems from Sharjah and serves all of humanity.”

Vital centers for the Sharjah Cultural Project

For her part, Eman Bushlaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries, said: “During the conference, we presented a comprehensive picture of the Sharjah Public Libraries experience, which builds on a 100-year legacy since the establishment of the first library in the emirate in 1925. Today, these libraries continue to play their role as vital centers for knowledge and community learning, through the development of their digital infrastructure and interactive programs. Our participation provided an important opportunity to showcase this integrated model, which combines the deep roots of the cultural project in Sharjah with its future directions, in addition to opening paths for cooperation with specialized American institutions that seek to expand the scope of partnerships with libraries and knowledge centers in the Arab region.”

Agreements with international companies to develop children's content

During its participation in the conference, the Sharjah Book Authority delegation met with representatives from Baker & Taylor and Playaway , where they agreed to experiment with new types of interactive books for children, a move aimed at diversifying reading content and encouraging young people to read in modern ways that align with their interests.

In a meeting with EBSCO , the Authority discussed expanding the scope of digital databases available to UAE libraries, as well as collaborating on designing practical and interactive training programs that keep pace with developments in library work and contribute to raising the efficiency of personnel working in this sector.

The delegation also held a number of meetings with technology solution providers specializing in the library sector, during which they reviewed the latest technologies and smart systems and explored opportunities for cooperation to develop the digital infrastructure of libraries, ensuring the provision of more effective services to the community and researchers.

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