The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library announced during a press conference that it will host and organize the first Dubai International Library Conference 2024. This will be one of the most prominent and prestigious events of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region, held under the slogan “Our Libraries, Past, Present and Future” from November 15-17, 2024. The conference will feature the participation of more than 25 countries and over 60 speakers from around the world.
The Supreme Committee of the Dubai International Library Conference 2024 includes 3 members of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation: Isobel Abulhoul, Ibrahim Al Hashmi, and Jamal Al Shehhi.
Read more: Mohammed bin Rashid Library: Over a million print and digital books
Most pressing issues facing libraries worldwide
Isobel Abulhoul said the conference will be a vital opportunity for delegates and speakers to meet in person at the iconic library and discuss the most pressing issues facing libraries worldwide. She emphasized the need for the entire world, including the MENA region, to keep pace with the challenges of the digital age, and to be a bridge between generations, combining the wisdom of the past, the vigour of the present, and the promising yet uncertain future. Abulhoul also stated that the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library strives to adopt the best international practices and strengthen partnerships with leading global institutions to contribute to building the global knowledge society.
Promoting knowledge exchange
Additionally, Ibrahim Al Hashmi stressed that the first Dubai Library Conference 2024 will provide an important platform to explore the role of libraries as beacons of culture and knowledge, building bridges of communication and enhancing understanding of diverse cultures. It will also promote the exchange of experiences and knowledge within a global framework that embodies rich human diversity, while highlighting the prospects of libraries in the future, digital transformation, and the latest practices in the library and information sector.
Advancing library sector
Jamal Al Shehhi added that the talks, events, and specialized sessions at the conference constitute a vital platform and unique opportunity to explore the latest technologies, innovations, and challenges in the world of libraries and information. This supports the vision and strategy to enable library professionals to keep pace with rapid developments and transform their libraries into advanced knowledge and community centers that meet the needs of the 21st century knowledge society.
High-profile participation
According to Dubai Media Office, the conference is further considered the most prominent event in the public library sector, attracting an elite group of specialists, professionals and experts from around the world to exchange ideas and experiences, and learn about the latest practices in the library and information sector. Some of the notable participants include Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CEO of CILIP; Sharon Memis, secretary general of IFLA; Leslie Burger, interim executive director at ALA; and several other renowned experts and leaders in the field.
Conference highlights
The Dubai International Library Conference 2024 will feature more than 45 distinguished panel discussions, workshops, lectures, and interactive round table talks, highlighting topics such as preservation and restoration of archives, new developments in library systems and programs, intellectual property, copyright laws, artificial intelligence, sustainable libraries, and the role of philanthropy in ensuring access to books and information.
Significance of libraries
Furthermore, the conference underscores the importance of libraries and their role in achieving global knowledge exchange, celebrating libraries as models of engineering and architectural masterpieces, and recognizing their cultural status as repositories of the cultures, histories, and heritage knowledge of peoples. It will also focus on the diversity of knowledge offered by international libraries and their unique specializations, attracting specialists and professionals from various fields to define and chart the future of libraries, and to highlight their technical efficiency and adoption of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and electronic databases.
Pivotal centers of knowledge and creativity
The organization of the first Dubai International Library Conference by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is part of its vision to enhance the role of libraries as pivotal centers of knowledge and creativity, highlight the regional and global importance of public libraries, support innovation and development in this vital sector, and stimulate global dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing libraries in the future.
Professionals from public, university, government, school and private libraries, as well as writers, publishers, educators, and other interested parties, can find more details and information about the conference program, the distinguished speakers, the topics covered, and the event schedule on the conference website. Attendance is complimentary, but registration as a delegate is required to receive the necessary conference badge.
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