Over 400 librarians and experts from around the world, representing more than 30 countries, are gearing up for the much-anticipated 10th instalment of the Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC), according to an announcement by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). The event is slated to run from November 7th to 9th and will be part of the Publisher’s Training program, taking place alongside the 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair.
This conference, jointly organized with the American Library Association and hosted at Expo Centre Sharjah, marks the sole collaborative event with the association outside the United States. Attendees have the option to participate in person or virtually, ensuring that individuals and stakeholders interested in this year’s diverse agenda can engage.
SILC’s activities kick off with three pre-conference workshops on Tuesday, November 7th. The initial workshop is titled ‘Entrepreneurs Need Libraries: How to Develop Your Entrepreneur Center,’ followed by ‘Collaborating Communities: The RDA Experience and Its Implications for Common Information Environments,’ and concluding with ‘Exploring Picture Books using the Whole Book Approach.’ The heart of the conference unfolds on November 8th, spanning two consecutive days, with a primary focus on academic libraries and their crucial role in fostering economic development. Moreover, the conference will delve into discussions about the impact of partnerships between libraries and local entities, including business incubators and co-working spaces, in driving sustainable development.
The conference will also showcase the achievements of the School Librarian of the Year Award winners, organized by the Emirates Literature Foundation. It will host various discussion panels, led by global library experts, who will share ideas, initiatives, and provide a comprehensive overview of the state of libraries worldwide.
