Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) showcased its prominence as the exclusive representative of the Arab world at the prestigious 2023 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference and Exhibition. The event, held in Chicago, Illinois, served as a global platform for librarians, educators, authors, publishers, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements and discuss strategies to shape the future of libraries.
Led by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, the CEO of SBA, the delegation engaged in meaningful discussions with Tracie D. Hall, the Executive Director of ALA, to foster partnerships and strengthen collaboration between the two organizations. Key among the topics of discussion was the comprehensive strategy for organizing the forthcoming 10th edition of the Sharjah International Library Conference, a notable annual event held in conjunction with ALA. This conference is scheduled to take place alongside the 42nd edition of the renowned Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) in November of this year.
The Sharjah International Library Conference, organized in partnership with ALA, holds a distinguished position as the only professional event conducted by ALA outside the United States. This fact underscores the emirate’s regional and global significance in nurturing and advancing the knowledge industry while fostering productive connections among library professionals worldwide.
During the ALA Annual Conference, SBA seized the opportunity to engage with library experts from across the globe, sharing insights, experiences, and best practices. The SBA team actively participated in various discussions, presentations, and workshops centered on the transformations taking place in the library landscape. By actively contributing to these conversations, SBA aimed to stay at the forefront of industry developments, build resilience, and ensure the sustainable growth of libraries both within the Arab region and internationally.
The presence of SBA at the ALA Annual Conference showcased Sharjah’s commitment to promoting a culture of reading and knowledge dissemination on a global scale. As the sole representative of the Arab world, SBA seized the opportunity to highlight the achievements, initiatives, and investments made in the development of libraries in Sharjah and the wider Arab region.
With its deep-rooted passion for literature and culture, Sharjah has earned a distinguished reputation as a hub for intellectual and artistic pursuits. The emirate’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the knowledge industry has resulted in numerous innovative initiatives, including the Sharjah World Book Capital designation and the Sharjah Publishing City.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the ALA Annual Conference and emphasized the significance of collaborating with international partners to drive the progress and advancement of libraries. He stated, “Sharjah Book Authority is committed to actively engaging with global library professionals and sharing our experiences, successes, and challenges. By collaborating with esteemed organizations like ALA, we aim to contribute to the ongoing development and transformation of libraries worldwide.”
The ALA Annual Conference served as a platform to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to address the evolving needs of libraries in the digital age. It provided a valuable opportunity for SBA to showcase its vision, strategies, and ongoing efforts to elevate the library sector within the Arab world and beyond.
As the Arab representative at this esteemed event, SBA reinforced Sharjah’s commitment to promoting the love of reading, advancing knowledge, and ensuring libraries remain vital pillars of education and cultural preservation. Through collaborative efforts with ALA and other global partners, SBA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of libraries, fostering international cooperation, and nurturing a society that values the transformative power of literature.
