Dubai To Welcome Global Experts For Inaugural Library Conference In November 2024

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library revealed plans to host the inaugural Dubai International Library Conference 2024 (DILC 2024). This significant event, themed "Our Libraries, Past, Present and Future," will occur from 15th-17th November 2024. It will feature over 60 speakers from more than 25 countries, making it a notable gathering in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The Supreme Committee for DILC 2024 includes three members from the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation: Isobel Abulhoul, Ibrahim Al Hashmi, and Jamal Al Shehhi. Abulhoul highlighted the importance of this conference as a platform for global delegates and speakers to discuss pressing library issues. She stated, "The conference will be a vitally important opportunity for delegates and speakers to meet in person at this iconic library to discuss the most pressing issues facing libraries worldwide."

Al Hashmi emphasised the role of libraries in fostering cultural understanding and communication. He noted, "The first edition of the Dubai Library Conference 2024 constitutes an important space to explore the role of libraries as beacons of culture and knowledge in building bridges of communication and enhancing understanding of multiple cultures." This event aims to promote knowledge exchange within a diverse global framework.

Among the notable participants are Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CEO of CILIP; Sharon Memis, Secretary-General of IFLA; Leslie Burger, Interim Executive Director at ALA; Mohsin Al Musawi from Columbia University; Dr. Sami Mobayed from the Royal Historical Society in London; Saif Aljabri from Omani Library Association; Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Library of Alexandria; Dr. Faiza Adeeb Al-Bayati, President of the Iraqi Library Association; Dr. Heba Ismail, Vice President of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information; and Constantia Constantinou from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jamal Al Shehhi added that DILC 2024 will serve as a vital platform for exploring new technologies and innovations in libraries. He said, "The talks, events, and specialised sessions at the Dubai International Library Conference 2024 constitute a vital platform and a unique opportunity to explore the latest technologies, innovations, and challenges in the world of libraries and information." This underscores the conference's focus on future-oriented discussions.

Diverse Sessions

The conference will feature over 45 panel discussions, workshops, lectures, and interactive round table talks. These sessions will cover topics such as archive preservation, new library systems developments, intellectual property laws, artificial intelligence applications in libraries, sustainable library practices, and philanthropy's role in ensuring access to books and information.

This event is set to attract specialists from around the globe aiming to share ideas and learn about cutting-edge practices in library management. The gathering promises rich discussions on how libraries can adapt to digital transformations while preserving their cultural heritage.

The Dubai International Library Conference 2024 stands out as a premier event for public library professionals worldwide. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for networking with experts dedicated to advancing library science through innovation and collaboration.

With inputs from WAM