emirates7 - On the opening day of the Sharjah Libraries' Literature Award Forum, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), honored the winners of the 24th edition of the esteemed award, organized by Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL). This year's competition received over 41 research submissions from 14 different countries.
The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SPL and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) Library, aimed at improving information access and expanding shared resources. Eman Bushalibi, Director of SPL, and Kara Jones, AUS Librarian, signed the agreement in the presence of cultural and academic leaders from the UAE.
Eman Bushalibi emphasized Sharjah libraries' long-standing tradition of supporting creative achievements, noting the strong backing of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. She remarked that these libraries continue to serve as important hubs for knowledge and innovation.
Bushalibi highlighted the significant growth of the Sharjah Libraries’ Literature Award, with a 37% increase in research submissions, a 75% rise in participating countries, and a 49% growth in the number of researchers. She also noted that joint research papers saw a remarkable 120% increase, demonstrating the award's influence in promoting scientific research.
During the forum, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri presented the "Best Research" awards. First place was awarded to Dr. Ibrahim Abd Elhady and Dr. Maha Loay Hatem from Alexandria University for their research on advancing green sustainability in public libraries. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Karthiyo from Algeria took second place, while Dr. Ehdaa Salah Naji from Cairo University earned third place.
In the category of 'Best Library and Information Institution,' the Mohammed bin Rashid Library in the UAE was recognized, and the 'Best Project in the Field' award was given to the Omani Research Repository (Shoaa) from Sultan Qaboos University.
The MoU between SPL and the AUS Library aims to enhance resource access, promote lifelong learning, and foster innovation. Key initiatives under the agreement include interlibrary resource sharing and joint professional development, with a focus on improving digital literacy and ensuring fair access to information.
The opening day featured three panel discussions. The first, "Public Libraries: A Meeting Place for Cultures and Diversity," included participants Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, and Jumaa Al Dhaheri, who discussed the role of libraries in preserving national and city memories, highlighting Sharjah as a model for public library development.
The second panel, "Information Institutions: From Traditional Roles to Shaping Awareness and Enhancing Identity," featured Ali Al Matrooshi and Jamal Al Shehhi. They emphasized the role of knowledge in encouraging cultural dialogue and praised Sharjah as an exemplar of cultural exchange. They also underscored the importance of translating international literature into Arabic.
The final discussion, "Libraries and the Challenges of Cultural and Knowledge Work," featured Dr. Nabhan Al Harrasi and Professor Moatasem El Gheriani. They explored how modern libraries, including SPL, are embracing technological changes while preserving their traditional functions. They also stressed the importance of intellectual property laws in encouraging creativity and innovation.
The day concluded with presentations by the first-place winners, who showcased how the award is advancing library practices. They discussed the significance of their research and the standards they applied to address contemporary challenges.
The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SPL and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) Library, aimed at improving information access and expanding shared resources. Eman Bushalibi, Director of SPL, and Kara Jones, AUS Librarian, signed the agreement in the presence of cultural and academic leaders from the UAE.
Eman Bushalibi emphasized Sharjah libraries' long-standing tradition of supporting creative achievements, noting the strong backing of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. She remarked that these libraries continue to serve as important hubs for knowledge and innovation.
Bushalibi highlighted the significant growth of the Sharjah Libraries’ Literature Award, with a 37% increase in research submissions, a 75% rise in participating countries, and a 49% growth in the number of researchers. She also noted that joint research papers saw a remarkable 120% increase, demonstrating the award's influence in promoting scientific research.
During the forum, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri presented the "Best Research" awards. First place was awarded to Dr. Ibrahim Abd Elhady and Dr. Maha Loay Hatem from Alexandria University for their research on advancing green sustainability in public libraries. Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Karthiyo from Algeria took second place, while Dr. Ehdaa Salah Naji from Cairo University earned third place.
In the category of 'Best Library and Information Institution,' the Mohammed bin Rashid Library in the UAE was recognized, and the 'Best Project in the Field' award was given to the Omani Research Repository (Shoaa) from Sultan Qaboos University.
The MoU between SPL and the AUS Library aims to enhance resource access, promote lifelong learning, and foster innovation. Key initiatives under the agreement include interlibrary resource sharing and joint professional development, with a focus on improving digital literacy and ensuring fair access to information.
The opening day featured three panel discussions. The first, "Public Libraries: A Meeting Place for Cultures and Diversity," included participants Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, and Jumaa Al Dhaheri, who discussed the role of libraries in preserving national and city memories, highlighting Sharjah as a model for public library development.
The second panel, "Information Institutions: From Traditional Roles to Shaping Awareness and Enhancing Identity," featured Ali Al Matrooshi and Jamal Al Shehhi. They emphasized the role of knowledge in encouraging cultural dialogue and praised Sharjah as an exemplar of cultural exchange. They also underscored the importance of translating international literature into Arabic.
The final discussion, "Libraries and the Challenges of Cultural and Knowledge Work," featured Dr. Nabhan Al Harrasi and Professor Moatasem El Gheriani. They explored how modern libraries, including SPL, are embracing technological changes while preserving their traditional functions. They also stressed the importance of intellectual property laws in encouraging creativity and innovation.
The day concluded with presentations by the first-place winners, who showcased how the award is advancing library practices. They discussed the significance of their research and the standards they applied to address contemporary challenges.