Public libraries’ role under spotlight
As part of its vision to promote the cultural and knowledge sector, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) hosted a seminar titled “Towards an Active Role for Public Libraries in Community Service,” in collaboration with the Arab Federation for Libraries & Information (AFLI) and Naseej Academy.
The seminar highlighted the role of public libraries in creating a beter future, and ways to enhance this role by leveraging advanced technologies.
The seminar hosted a number of officials, employees, and visitors from different ages and backgrounds, along with prominent speakers and specialists in the libraries sector.
These included Prof. Hassan Awad Alsereihy, President of the AFLI; Prof. Emad Essa Saleh, Vice President of AFLI; and Ayub Khan, Head of Libraries and Cultural Services for Warwickshire County Council, UK.
“Public libraries have seen considerable development, elevating its traditional concept into a wider and more profound vision, in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The sector is leveraging advanced technology to cater for every segment in the society and provide the most convenient library experiences. As a cultural hub and a major drive towards establishing a knowledge-based economy, public libraries are leading knowledge production, dissemination, and efficient utilisation, further bolstering economic development across different sectors ,” said ibrahim al has he mi, member of the Board of Directors at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library in his opening remarks.
“The UAE has always been a part of such progress. With the establishment of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, our wise leadership has shaped the next generation of libraries locally, regionally, and internationally, equipping it with world-leading library technologies and AI solutions. We have also focused on establishing and promoting cultural and strategic partnerships, in addition to hosting various events, forums, and seminars. All these efforts by MBRL aim to support the vision for the next 50 years, as well as Dubai’s vision to become the happiest and smartest city in the world across all fields and sectors, including public libraries,” Al Hashemi added. “The Library strives to be a constant leader in hosting initiatives and events, creating unique channels for knowledge exchange in different fields. Accordingly, MBRL supports collaboration with specialised entities and organisations, learning from the best local, regional, and international practices, and innovating leading ideas to support the role of public libraries,” he concluded.