SHARJAH, 18th February, 2018 (WAM) -- The Sharjah Book Authority, SBA, has reinforced its vision to expand and strengthen active channels of communication within the global library community, including the development of digital services, during its participation at the Midwinter Meeting and Exhibits of the American Library Association, ALA, held recently in Denver, Colorado.
SBA’s presence at the 2018 meeting, which brought together an elite gathering of librarian specialists and experts from around the world, is the latest in a host of international forums and events which reinforces the Association’s aims to strengthen ties with other entities within the library sector. It also aligns with its preparations for the fifth edition of the Librarian Conference held in Sharjah in November, in collaboration with ALA.
In addition to discussing the latest library developments, the SBA delegation conducted a series of meetings with global specialists in library management and explored avenues of cooperation and joint action.
Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said, "Our participation in the ALA Conference epitomises our goal of opening up channels of communication and cooperation with various cultural institutions around the world.
"By doing so, we are inspired by the directives and vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has always stressed that cultural communication is the best way to promote universal dialogue."
Al Ameri added, "SBA’s strong presence and engagement in various international forums have had a highly positive impact on the cultural projects, events and activities led by Sharjah throughout the year."
He referred to the annual calendar of major publishing and book related events such as Sharjah International Book Fair, which has made great strides on the global literary stage over the past ten years. Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, the ALA Library Conference and Sharjah Publishing City, among many other initiatives, have helped to foster a love of reading.
The ALA Midwinter Meeting is one of the most prestigious international library events and is a prelude to the ALA annual Conference, which will be held this year from 21st - 26th June in New Orleans, Louisiana.