Emirates Library And Information Association Organises Meeting For Academic Libraries In The UAE

The Emirates Library and Information Association (ELIA) recently hosted a significant gathering at the Sharjah Book Authority headquarters. This event brought together 25 entities, including higher education institutions, research centres, and specialised libraries across the UAE. The primary goal was to foster collaboration and share expertise among professionals in the information and academic library sectors.

During the meeting, two main sessions were held. One of these was led by the Academic Libraries and Research Centres Committee. Dr. Abdulla Al Hefeiti, Assistant Vice-President of Libraries at Khalifa University, chaired this session alongside several library directors. They focused on discussing the committee's core activities and exploring ways to improve its effectiveness.

On the sidelines of this gathering, ELIA convened a meeting for the Academic Libraries Committee. This committee was initially established during the first UAE Libraries Forum. The discussions centred around reviewing their work, examining sector developments, and setting priorities for future phases. These efforts aim to advance academic libraries and strengthen their support for scientific research.

Fahad Al Maamari, Chairman of ELIA, emphasised the importance of these meetings in promoting academic libraries as hubs of knowledge creation. He stated that these gatherings enable libraries to adapt to fast-paced technological advancements and better serve the academic community with efficiency and innovation.

The event attracted numerous specialists from library and information centres, providing a valuable platform for addressing shared challenges. Participants exchanged insights on best practices for enhancing academic information services. This collaborative environment is crucial for driving progress in developing effective library systems.

The meeting also highlighted ELIA's commitment to supporting academic libraries in their mission to facilitate knowledge dissemination. By fostering cooperation among various institutions, ELIA aims to elevate the role of libraries in contributing to educational and research excellence within the UAE.

This initiative underscores ELIA's dedication to advancing library services through strategic partnerships and continuous learning opportunities. As a result, academic libraries are better positioned to meet evolving demands and play a pivotal role in supporting education and research initiatives.

With inputs from WAM