emirates7 - The first-ever Sharjah School Librarians Conference, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, wrapped up on Wednesday at Expo Centre Sharjah after two days of rich discussions and collaborative exchanges among 170 education professionals, including global experts, school librarians, and teachers.
Held in collaboration with the American Library Association (ALA), the Emirates Library and Information Association (ELIA), the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), and the Combined Book Exhibit, the event spotlighted successful case studies and creative strategies aimed at inspiring students, engaging families, and involving communities. It also explored how modern technologies can broaden access to reading and make it more appealing.
On the final day, Todd Burleson, a media specialist at The Skokie School in the U.S., led a session titled "Connecting Reading and New Technologies". He demonstrated how digital innovations such as audiobooks, virtual reality, and AI-powered speech-to-text tools can enrich reading experiences and help engage students who are less inclined to read.
Other highlights included practical presentations from Yasser Abdul Muttalib of Al Majd Model School in Sharjah and UNESCO programme coordinator Jumana Hanoun. They shared real-world examples of how technology can help vibrant, interactive reading spaces in schools.
A session called “Connecting and Partnering with Families” focused on the vital influence of parents in cultivating lasting reading habits among children.
In her talk titled “Coming Together Through Associations to Empower School Librarians,” AASL President Becky Calzada highlighted the importance of collective efforts and knowledge-sharing. She stressed that professional associations play a key role in resource exchange, skill development, and raising the profile of school librarians in diverse educational settings.
The conference also featured a ‘Knowledge Café’, a casual networking space where participants engaged with peers and experts on topics such as helping reluctant readers, evaluating student progress, enhancing librarian-teacher collaboration, integrating technology into reading practices, involving families, and nurturing local talent.
The event concluded with a reflective session titled “Sharing and Next Steps”, where UAE-based school librarians discussed future plans to enhance reading initiatives in local schools. All participants received certificates, and many voiced strong support for continuing such gatherings to further the impact and presence of school libraries throughout the Arab world.
Held in collaboration with the American Library Association (ALA), the Emirates Library and Information Association (ELIA), the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), and the Combined Book Exhibit, the event spotlighted successful case studies and creative strategies aimed at inspiring students, engaging families, and involving communities. It also explored how modern technologies can broaden access to reading and make it more appealing.
On the final day, Todd Burleson, a media specialist at The Skokie School in the U.S., led a session titled "Connecting Reading and New Technologies". He demonstrated how digital innovations such as audiobooks, virtual reality, and AI-powered speech-to-text tools can enrich reading experiences and help engage students who are less inclined to read.
Other highlights included practical presentations from Yasser Abdul Muttalib of Al Majd Model School in Sharjah and UNESCO programme coordinator Jumana Hanoun. They shared real-world examples of how technology can help vibrant, interactive reading spaces in schools.
A session called “Connecting and Partnering with Families” focused on the vital influence of parents in cultivating lasting reading habits among children.
In her talk titled “Coming Together Through Associations to Empower School Librarians,” AASL President Becky Calzada highlighted the importance of collective efforts and knowledge-sharing. She stressed that professional associations play a key role in resource exchange, skill development, and raising the profile of school librarians in diverse educational settings.
The conference also featured a ‘Knowledge Café’, a casual networking space where participants engaged with peers and experts on topics such as helping reluctant readers, evaluating student progress, enhancing librarian-teacher collaboration, integrating technology into reading practices, involving families, and nurturing local talent.
The event concluded with a reflective session titled “Sharing and Next Steps”, where UAE-based school librarians discussed future plans to enhance reading initiatives in local schools. All participants received certificates, and many voiced strong support for continuing such gatherings to further the impact and presence of school libraries throughout the Arab world.