SPL deliberates AI in libraries, honours top Arab researchers

The Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) honoured the winners of the 25th edition of the Sharjah Award for Library Literature, in recognition of their research and professional contributions to advancing the libraries and information sector, and enhancing the role of knowledge in serving cultural and social development.

- Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

This took place during the opening ceremony of the Sharjah Award for Library Literature Forum 2025, hosted at the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) headquarters, in the presence of Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, alongside officials, academics, researchers and specialists in library and information sciences, representatives of Arab information institutions, and forum participants.

The first day of the forum was home to panel discussions and research papers addressing the future of libraries in the era of artificial intelligence, and the role of modern technologies in developing information services and knowledge management. The sessions also reviewed Arab and international experiences in digital transformation and smart digitisation.

The speakers discussed the importance of continuous professional development for those working in the sector, and ways to build effective partnerships between information institutions and cultural and creative industries, to bolster libraries’ role as a centre for innovation and lifelong learning.