Day 2 – Session 1 | |
09:30 – 10:15 | Advocacy, Connection and Empowerment – What can Library Associations do for you? (English) Sharon Memis Sharon Memis, NetherlandsSecretary GeneralSharon Memis, FRSA Sharon took up the role of Secretary General and CEO of IFLA in June 2023. Sharon’s background is in international cultural relations and higher education. She is a passionate internationalist and speaks several languages. Sharon spent most of her career with the British Council and held senior leadership roles in Europe, North America and Asia promoting UK Education and Culture. She has also worked for a range of organisations as a consultant in international strategy. Prior to joining IFLA, Sharon was Chief Operating Officer at the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Loida Garcia-Febo, USAInternational Library ConsultantLoida Garcia-Febo, MLS, is a Puerto Rican American international library consultant worldwide known for her passion about library services and diversity, communities, sustainability, innovation and digital transformation, library workers, library advocacy, wellness, and new librarians about which she has taught in 46 countries. She serves as San José State University School of Information’s Health and Wellness Ambassador. Garcia-Febo was president of the American Library Association (2018-2019) and currently serves as an IFLA Governing Board member. She received the 2015 REFORMA Life Time Achievement Award, and the 2024 ALA Medal of Excellence. Louis Coiffait-Gunn, United KingdomCEOLouis Coiffait-Gunn is the CEO of CILIP. Louis’ 20-year career has been guided by his interest in evidence-informed policy, especially in education, R&D, AI, copyright and intellectual policy. His most recent role as the Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Publishers Association involved direct engagement with governments, politicians and sector organisations to advocate for diverse members’ interests, including on issues such as literacy, school libraries, and public libraries. Louis has experience in a range of settings including government bodies, think tanks, professional associations, universities, and the media. |
10:30 – 11:15 | Open access – an impossible dream? (English) Alwaleed AlKhaja Alwaleed AlKhaja, QatarHead of Open Access & CopyrightMr. Alwaleed AlKhaja is the Head of Open Access & Copyright at Qatar National Library. Ben Barry, United KingdomDirector of Digital ServicesAn accomplished, confident, energetic Digital Director with expertise in strategy development, delivering transformational change and driving strong operational performance. With a balance of private and public sector senior management experience he is a motivating, supportive and inspiring digital leader. Alicia Yeo, SingaporeDirectorAlicia was a journalist with The Straits Times for over three years before she was hired in 2005 as a reference librarian to develop and promote the National Library Singapore’s art & design collections. From 2012-2016, she led teams to develop funding proposals, create new web services for digitized collections, and promote all things Singapore through our published heritage. Some of her notable work included strategic planning for a joint libraries and archives masterplan (2014-2015) and acquiring the private John Bastin collection (2014-2015). At the Ministry of Communications and Information (2016-2017), she led a team working closely with senior management to drive the strategic planning and performance management cycle of the ministry. When she returned to the National Library Board, Alicia double-hatted as a region head of 7 public libraries as well as overseeing operational policy & procedure improvements for the Singapore public library system; its community engagement efforts (book donations and setting up reading corners for the less mobile); and marketing communications. She continued the latter portfolio in 2019-2020 before being appointed the programme director of the National Reading Movement from January-August 2021. She took on the role of Director of the National Library Singapore in September 2021. Masud Khokhar, United KingdomChairMasud Khokhar is the University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection at the University of Leeds. Previously, he has held a diverse range of senior positions in both the private sector and Higher Education. Masud is also the current chair of Research Libraries UK (RLUK) – a consortium of the 39 most significant research libraries in the UK and Ireland. He serves on several other regional, national, and international boards, including the White Rose Libraries Executive Board, Cambridge University Libraries Syndicate, JStor Library Advisory Group, and works closely with UKRI and AHRC on research infrastructure and open access developments. |
11:30 – 12:30 | Guardians of Heritage (Arabic) Abdelfattah Bougchouf Abdelfattah Bougchouf, MoroccoKeeper of the CollectionGovernor of the Treasury of Al-Qarawiyyin University since 2008 Excellent chief engineer Bachelor’s degree in biology Diploma of the Graduate School of Technology Certificate of training in financial and administrative management Abdulaziz Al Musallam, United Arab EmiratesChairmanEmarati poet, writer and researcher, Born in Sharjah 27 October 1966, Expert in culture heritage management, wrote dozens of fairytales and poems, his publications translated into many languages Chairman, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Chairman of Board , Category 2 Centre Under the Auspices of the UNESCO International centre for Capacity Building in Intangible Cultural Heritage Board Member, Sharjah Book Authority Founder, kalamon Publishing Visiting Professor University of Jandouba ( Tunisia ), Zhejiang University ( China ) Education Hassan 2nd University, Ph D. History and Culture Heritage University of Sharjah, Higher Diploma History and Islamic Civilisation Beirut Arab University, BA History Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, United Arab EmiratesCEOHE Dr. Ali Bin Tamim is the Chairman of the newly established Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center and has been the Secretary General of Sheikh Zayed Book Award since November 2011. He served as a chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Archives as well as member of the Board of Directors. He served as a Jury member of several cultural awards in UAE; most notably the Prince of Poets Program, Dubai Cultural Award and the Khalifa Educational Award. Received his Doctorate Degree in Literary Critique from Yarmouk University in Jordan in 2005. Muhsin Al Musawi, USAProfessorMuhsin Al Musawi is a Professor at Columbia University. |
12:30 – 13:45 | LUNCH BREAK |
13:45 – 14:45 | Knowledge under Threat. Lessons learned from the cyber-attack on The British Library (English) Marek Kowalkiewicz Marek Kowalkiewicz, AustraliaProfessor and Chair in Digital EconomyExperienced R&D leader with expertise in software development, digital strategies, and technology innovation. Interested in building new products and services, working with global teams, and engaging with external stakeholders. Seeking a challenging and impactful role in a forward-thinking organization. Ben Barry, United KingdomDirector of Digital ServicesAn accomplished, confident, energetic Digital Director with expertise in strategy development, delivering transformational change and driving strong operational performance. With a balance of private and public sector senior management experience he is a motivating, supportive and inspiring digital leader. |
15:00 – 15:45 | A Global Treasure Chest (English) Helen Shenton Helen Shenton, IrelandLibrarian and College archivistHelen Shenton is Librarian & College Archivist at Trinity College Dublin, where she leads the strategic development of the historic and digital libraries. Helen moved to Ireland in 2014 from America, where she was Executive Director of Harvard Library, at the heart of bringing together the services of seventy-three libraries. Prior to Harvard, Helen worked at the British Library where she led the care of the UK’s national documentary heritage and national printed archive. That followed positions in the Victoria and Albert Museum, where she was deeply involved with the conservation, care, and display of the world-renowned decorative arts collections. Jeannette Lebrón – Ramos, Puerto RicoPresidentDr. Jeannette Lebrón Ramos holds a Ph.D. in Documentation: Archives and Libraries in the Digital Environment from the Carlos III University of Madrid. She is currently the President of the Latin America and the Caribbean Division of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLALAC). Masud Khokhar, United KingdomChairMasud Khokhar is the University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection at the University of Leeds. Previously, he has held a diverse range of senior positions in both the private sector and Higher Education. Masud is also the current chair of Research Libraries UK (RLUK) – a consortium of the 39 most significant research libraries in the UK and Ireland. He serves on several other regional, national, and international boards, including the White Rose Libraries Executive Board, Cambridge University Libraries Syndicate, JStor Library Advisory Group, and works closely with UKRI and AHRC on research infrastructure and open access developments. |
16:00 – 16:45 | Advocacy, Connection and Empowerment – What can Library Associations do for you? (Arabic) Sultan Saif AlMazrouei Sultan Saif AlMazrouei, United Arab EmiratesDirectorMr. Sultan Saif AlMazrouei is the Director of the Emirates Library & Information Association Saif Aljabri, OmanChairSaif has more than 25 years of experience in library management. He has worked in different levels of library management and administration. He has an optimistic vision of library development and its future role. Beside his duties in library administration, he teaches in the Business communication department and the Information Studies department. Currently, he chairs the MENA Regional Division Committee, IFLA and play an active role in the in the LIS field in the MENA region, as well as serving as a member of the Literacy and Reading Standing Committee. Hussain AlSammak, BahrainDeputy PresidentMr. Hussain AlSammak is the Deputy President of the Bahraini Library Association & AFLI representative in Bahrain. |
17:00 – 17:15 | A World in your Language (English) Mariam Jumaa Mariam Jumaa, United Arab EmiratesSenior Librarian & Project ManagerMs. Mariam Jumaa is a Senior Librarian & Project Manager at Mohammed bin Rashid Library. |
Day 2 – Session 2 | |
09:30 – 10:15 | Looking to the Future – Academic Libraries (English) Kristine N. Stewart Kristine N. Stewart, United Arab EmiratesAssociate ProfessorDr. Kristine Stewart is an Associate Professor and the Information Literacy Coordinator at Zayed University. Her research interests revolve around media and information literacy abilities and the impact of technology on human information behavior. She is the Chair of Judges for the UAE’s School Librarian of the Year Award and is an advocate for the role of school libraries’ crucial role in education. She is a contributing author and editor for UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy Curriculum for Educators and Learners. She serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Education for Library and Information Science. Abdulla Khalifa Alhefeiti, United Arab EmiratesAssistant Vice PresidentDr. Abdulla Al-Hefeiti is the Assistant Vice president of Khalifa University libraries. His research interests include library consortiums, digital libraries, and library-academics collaboration. Training in the Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians at Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2023 and two courses: a nondegree program in marketing and library services and information system from McGill University in Canada. involved in many regional library events, such as Chair of Special Libraries Association – Arabian Gulf Chapter (2008-2010), ALA, AFLA, and AFLI; he is a member of the Scientific Research Evaluation Committee – Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Award for Culture and Science. Tatiana Usova, QatarDirector of LibraryMs Tatiana Usova is the Director of Library at Carnegie Mellon University Qatar Peter Gatiti, KenyaPresidentProf. Peter Gaititi is the President of the Kenya Library Association. Rosemary Shafack, CameroonPresidentRosemary is a Professor of Library and Information Sciences at the University of Buea Cameroon. She has held several leadership roles, serving as the IFLA Africa Section secretary and chair, as well as the AfLIA Regional Coordinator and Vice President. Rosemary is currently the AfLIA President and the Acting Deputy Vice- Chancellor at the University of Buea. She is a recipient of awards, including the IFLA Leadership Programme Certificate, the Female Academic Excellence Award, and the AfLIA Award. Rosemary has authored numerous publications and serves as an external assessor and curriculum developer in the fields of Library, Archival, and Information Sciences. |
10:30 – 11:15 | Archiving the Architecture (English) Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, United Arab EmiratesFounderSultan Sooud Al-Qassemi is an Emirati columnist and researcher on social, political and cultural affairs in the Arab Gulf States. He is also the founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, an independent initiative established in 2010 to contribute to the intellectual development of the art scene in the Arab region. He has taught ‘Politics of Modern Middle Eastern Art’ at NYU, Yale, Georgetown University, Boston College, The American University of Paris, Brandeis, Harvard Kennedy, Columbia and Bard College Berlin. Sultan also completed a Fellowship at Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin. Sultan is currently a Research Associate at SOAS Middle East Institute, London. |
11:30 – 12:15 | The Role of Libraries in Building Bridges and Promoting Cross Cultural Understanding (English) Constantia Constantinou Constantia Constantinou, USAVice Provost and Director of LibrariesConstantia Constantinou is a distinguished global leader renowned for her pioneering work in integrating large university library systems with broader academic missions. With a career marked by innovation and strategic vision, she has spearheaded digital, multimedia, and technology initiatives within prestigious institutions. As Vice Provost and Director of Libraries at the University of Pennsylvania, Constantinou led the executive management of all 19 libraries, driving impactful strategies to enhance student learning, faculty research, engagement, fundraising, and external partnerships. She designed the execution of short- and long-term strategic expansion plans in collections and technology, aligned with the University’s goals. She oversaw the operational excellence of 19 specialized libraries: over 400 employees; $87 million annual operating budget, and a $170M growing endowment. Constantinou spearheaded institutional partnerships with colleges and universities, libraries, cultural institutions, and organizations nationally and internationally to advance research and scholarship. She has developed dynamic resources, tools, expertise, and physical spaces that inspire critical inquiry and creative expression. She managed capital planning and oversaw the construction of award-winning libraries and facilities renovations. Among her many other accomplishments, she oversaw the planning and construction of the Biomedical Library at the University of Pennsylvania and the Information Commons at Stony Brook University. She also oversaw the renovation of library spaces for high end technology. As the Dean of University Libraries at Stony Brook University, the State University of New York, (SUNY) she formulated ambitious plans to redefine libraries as collaborative hubs for scholarly and digital endeavors. She is a SUNY Distinguished Professor, with the title Dean Emerita. As a Fulbright Scholar, and as a Fulbright Specialist, she has actively contributed to the global library community through publications, conference presentations. She served on leadership roles and board of directors on prominent national and international library organizations. Among her many publications and presentations world-wide, she is the author and co editor of the book “Developing Professional, Intercultural, and Educational Leadership”, 2017 SUNY Press. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored with the Distinguished Alumna award from the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies at Queens College in 2014. Beyond her professional library achievements, Constantinou is a talented classical guitarist, holding degrees in Music from Queens College, where she also earned her Master of Library Science. Sharon Memis, NetherlandsSecretary GeneralSharon Memis, FRSA Sharon took up the role of Secretary General and CEO of IFLA in June 2023. Sharon’s background is in international cultural relations and higher education. She is a passionate internationalist and speaks several languages. Sharon spent most of her career with the British Council and held senior leadership roles in Europe, North America and Asia promoting UK Education and Culture. She has also worked for a range of organisations as a consultant in international strategy. Prior to joining IFLA, Sharon was Chief Operating Officer at the Association of Commonwealth Universities. |
13:45 – 14:30 | The Journey of Words (English) Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, United Arab EmiratesChancellorHis Excellency Mr. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh is the Cultural Advisor to His Highness the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University. His continuous government service dates back prior to the foundation of the UAE. His Excellency served as the personal interpreter and adviser to the founder and first President of the UAE, His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, from the late sixties until 2004. During his career he also served as a Minister of State in the UAE Government Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, United Arab EmiratesFounderSultan Sooud Al-Qassemi is an Emirati columnist and researcher on social, political and cultural affairs in the Arab Gulf States. He is also the founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, an independent initiative established in 2010 to contribute to the intellectual development of the art scene in the Arab region. He has taught ‘Politics of Modern Middle Eastern Art’ at NYU, Yale, Georgetown University, Boston College, The American University of Paris, Brandeis, Harvard Kennedy, Columbia and Bard College Berlin. Sultan also completed a Fellowship at Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin. Sultan is currently a Research Associate at SOAS Middle East Institute, London. |
15:00 – 15:45 | From clay tablets to cloud computing, a brief history of libraries (Arabic) Muhsin Al Musawi Muhsin Al Musawi, USAProfessorMuhsin Al Musawi is a Professor at Columbia University. Sami Moubayed, SyriaHistorian, Writer, elected researcherDr. Sami Moubayed is a Historian, Writer, elected researcher at Royal Historical Society in London Lamia Eid, EgyptDeanLamia Eid, Dean of Libraries, brings over 30 years of executive management experience from academic & public institutions. Before her current role, she served as Associate Dean and Interim Dean. Her extensive university leadership includes positions such as University Ombuds, Founding Director of the Library Center of Excellence for Middle East, Founding Director of Misr Public Library, an international cooperative agreement between Bertelsmann Stiftung & Ministry of Culture. She is a member of numerous local and international committees, including the Egyptian Library Association, American Library Association, International Ombudsman Association, International Federation of Library Associations & International Association ofUniversity Libraries. |
16:00 – 16:45 | The Role of Libraries in Promoting the Arabic Language (Arabic) Dr. Ali Bin Tamim Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, United Arab EmiratesCEOHE Dr. Ali Bin Tamim is the Chairman of the newly established Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center and has been the Secretary General of Sheikh Zayed Book Award since November 2011. He served as a chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Archives as well as member of the Board of Directors. He served as a Jury member of several cultural awards in UAE; most notably the Prince of Poets Program, Dubai Cultural Award and the Khalifa Educational Award. Received his Doctorate Degree in Literary Critique from Yarmouk University in Jordan in 2005. |
17:00 – 17:45 | Launch of the 9th edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Arabic Language Award H.E. Bilal Al Budoor H.E. Bilal Al Budoor, United Arab EmiratesSecretary GeneralEmirati writer, researcher and diplomat. He is the Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Award for the Arabic Language, President of the Society for the Protection of the Arabic Language since 2017, and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Culture and Science Symposium. He began his work at the Cultural Attaché in Cairo, then moved to work as Director of the Financial and Administrative Affairs Department at the “Supreme Council for Youth and Sports.” |
Day 2 – Room 10 | |
09:30 – 10:30 | It’s All in the Game – Future Proofing your Library Stephen Wyber Stephen Wyber, NetherlandsDirector, External AffairsStephen Wyber is Director, External Affairs at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, where he leads on work to build understanding of the contribution of libraries to development goals among decision-makers and other stakeholders. Through this, IFLA works to ensure that libraries’ potential to change lives – including through partnerships – is fully realised. Stephen has worked at IFLA since 2016, and was previously at the British Embassy in Paris and UN Permanent Delegation to the OECD. He studied in Wales, France and Poland. |
10:30 – 11:15 | Transformation of library learning spaces- the AUC experience Lamia Eid Lamia Eid, EgyptDeanLamia Eid, Dean of Libraries, brings over 30 years of executive management experience from academic & public institutions. Before her current role, she served as Associate Dean and Interim Dean. Her extensive university leadership includes positions such as University Ombuds, Founding Director of the Library Center of Excellence for Middle East, Founding Director of Misr Public Library, an international cooperative agreement between Bertelsmann Stiftung & Ministry of Culture. She is a member of numerous local and international committees, including the Egyptian Library Association, American Library Association, International Ombudsman Association, International Federation of Library Associations & International Association ofUniversity Libraries. |
11:30 – 12:15 | Building SDG library collectIons Myra Garces-Bacsal Myra Garces-Bacsal, United Arab EmiratesAssistant Dean for Research and Graduate StudiesMyra has served as a teacher educator for over 15 years in both Singapore and the UAE. She is the Assistant Dean for Research & Graduate Studies for the College of Education, UAE University. She was a Research Fellow at the International Youth Library in Munich (2016-2017) and was Chair of the Programme Committee for the Asian Festival of Children’s Content held annually in Singapore (2011-2019). She is a quintessential nerd who lives and breathes books which she shares through her website, GatheringBooks.org. Myra enjoys organizing events and festivals where fellow nerds converge and attempt to joyfully change the world |
13:45 – 14:45 | The Libraries of Uzbekistan – Then and Now Gulbakhor Kabiljanova Gulbakhor Kabiljanova, UzbekistanHead of the International Relations DepartmentGulbakhor Kabiljanova, born in May 1986, holds a Bachelor’s degree from Uzbekistan State World Languages University .With 12 years of work experience, she has been serving in her current position since April 7, 2021. From 2012-2020, Gulbakhor was the Head of the Service of Coordination Electronic Orders and Remote Delivery of Resources at the National Library of Uzbekistan. Since 2021, she has been serving as the Head of the International Relations Department at the National Library of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi. Gulbakhor has actively participated in numerous projects, earning respect among her colleagues for her expertise and dedication. Umida Teshabaeva, UzbekistanDirectorUmida Teshabaeva has dedicated over 28 years of her life to library development. Her innovative approach and dedication has driven success and inspired many in the library sphere. In 2006, she began as the chief librarian of the Department of Scientific Methodology at the National Library of Uzbekistan. Over the years, she advanced through roles including head of the service, deputy director of information and library services, and director of the National Library of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi. Her career has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for inspiring others in the field. |
15:00 – 15:45 | An Introduction to Wikimedia Vipin SJ Vipin SJ, IndiaSenior Partnerships ManagerVipin SJ is a Senior Partnerships Manager at the Wikimedia Foundation. Vipin focuses on building strategic partnerships with international non-governmental organizations, publishers, media and broadcasters to advance the Wikimedia movement. Vipin has about a decade of experience in marketing, partnerships, and business development. He previously honed his skills in building growth initiatives at Flipkart, Papertrell and Instamojo and was previously a member of the Global Shapers Community, a World Economic Forum initiative that selects young leaders across the world to drive dialogue, action and change. He holds an undergraduate degree in Commerce with Computer Applications from Mahatma Gandhi University. |
16:00 – 16:45 | At The Forefront – the use of AI and Digitilisation at the National Library of Korea Kim Suejeong Kim Suejeong, Korea SouthLibrarianPh.D. in Library and Information Science Working as a librarian at the National Library of Korea since 1993. Currently the head of the National Library of Korea’s Digital Initiatives Division (March 2022~) Developing national document digitization and the Korean Memory Project, and new technology-based library digital services at the National Library of Korea |
Day 2 – Room 9 | |
09:30 – 10:15 | ITHRA Library: A Hub of Sustainable Creativity Abdullah AlHawas Abdullah AlHawas, Saudi ArabiaHead“Head of ITHRA Library from Sept 2024 up to current. The role is including the preparing and overseeing the budget, developing employment and service policies, strategic planning, public and governmental relations,and collections development. Cultural Programs Developer in King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture(ITHRA) since Nov 2021 till Aug 2023. The champion of Ithra Content Initiative at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).Director of the cultural program at Eastern Book Fair 2023. “ |
10:30 – 11:15 | A purposeful way forward for UAE libraries (Arabic) Emad Abu Eid Emad Abu Eid, United Arab EmiratesConsultantHe holds a doctorate in social responsibility for libraries, and a master’s degree in library and information science from the American University in the Emirates. He has 30 years of experience in library development in the UAE and Jordan, including public libraries in Dubai and public libraries in Abu Dhabi. He published more than 35 studies and books, and ran the “Emirates Libraries” symposium. He currently works as a consultant in the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, and before that, a library specialist In Dubai Public Libraries, and Director of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Library in Jordan and Director of the library of Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan. He managed many projects development of libraries, including the electronic library in Dubai, the garden libraries project in Abu Dhabi, and a technology application project RFID in Dubai Public Libraries, And the digital library of the Department of Municipalities and Transport |
11:30 – 12:15 | Knowledge Management vs Information Management -How this is shaping the future of Libraries (English) Peter Gatiti Peter Gatiti, KenyaPresidentProf. Peter Gaititi is the President of the Kenya Library Association. |
13:45 – 14:45 | Libraries Are a Source of Design – Jewelery Design (Arabic) Areej Al Nazar Areej Al Nazar, United Arab EmiratesJewelry DesignerAreej began her jewelry design journey at 19, creating pieces inspired by stories. Her style emphasizes storytelling as a means to convey art, wisdom, and science. In 2020, she launched “”148,”” a luxury perfume collection inspired by the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa, where her jewelry is showcased. The collection features seven unique fragrances. She is currently expanding the Burj Khalifa collection to include luxury items inspired by Dubai, like silk and leather products. Notable achievements include collaborations with SARCAR and PROLOGUE, as well as inventing the Zodiac Necklace and magnetic gold clasps, blending tradition with modern innovation. |
15:00 – 15:45 | How to adopt western classification systems into Arabic (Arabic) Saif Aljabri Saif Aljabri, OmanChairSaif has more than 25 years of experience in library management. He has worked in different levels of library management and administration. He has an optimistic vision of library development and its future role. Beside his duties in library administration, he teaches in the Business communication department and the Information Studies department. Currently, he chairs the MENA Regional Division Committee, IFLA and play an active role in the in the LIS field in the MENA region, as well as serving as a member of the Literacy and Reading Standing Committee. |
16:00 – 16:45 | Classification of Special Collections and Archives in Libraries using RDAand MARC 21 (Arabic) Tharwat Al-Olaimi Tharwat Al-Olaimi, United Arab EmiratesSenior CataloguerAn expert in organizing information in libraries and cultural institutions and a member of the Standards Committee and the Middle East and North Africa Committee of the International Federation He has more than 20 years of experience in the field of libraries and knowledge organization and holds the Library Literature Award from the IFLA Library Association. Presented many lectures and training workshops for technical work in libraries in cooperation with the American Library Association, Emirates Libraries and Information Center and currently works as a senior cataloguer at the University of Sharjah Libraries in the United Arab Emirates |
Day 2 – Room 4 | |
09:30 – 10:15 | Professional development session (Arabic) Heba Ismail Heba Ismail, EgyptVice PresidentDr. Heba Ismail is the Vice President of the Arab Federation for Libraries & Information (AFLI). |
10:30 – 11:15 | From Prayer Book to Artist’s Book: An Evolution of the Book as Art (English) Patricia Silva Patricia Silva, ItalyProfessor of Books Arts and PrintmakingPatricia Silva is a book artist, printmaker and educator. She has been a Professor of Books Arts and Printmaking at American university programs in Italy since 2000 and has worked with the University of Minnesota (Florence), Studio Arts College International (SACI), Santa Reparata International School of Art, Washington University (Florence), and the University of Georgia (Cortona), among others. She has lectured and taught workshops extensively and her work has been exhibited in various venues and can be found in numerous collections. Ms. Silva maintains a studio in Florence, where she creates original artist’s books as well as commissioned bookworks. |
11:30 – 12:30 | AI in Translation: Navigating Tools and Overcoming Challenges ( English) Paulo Lemos Horta Paulo Lemos Horta, United Arab EmiratesAssociate Professor of LiteratureProf. Paulo Lemos Horta is the Associate Professor of Literature at New York University Abu Dhabi. |
13:30 – 14:30 | Celebrating UAE’s School Librarians Sara Almarzooqui Sara Almarzooqui, United Arab EmiratesPG level Director of Special Projects and ProgramsDr Sara Almarzooqui is a Judge, School Librarian of the Year Award and Associate Faculty, School of Education, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, She is also PG level Director of Special Projects and Programs at Sharjah Book Authority. Kristine N. Stewart, United Arab EmiratesAssociate ProfessorDr. Kristine Stewart is an Associate Professor and the Information Literacy Coordinator at Zayed University. Her research interests revolve around media and information literacy abilities and the impact of technology on human information behavior. She is the Chair of Judges for the UAE’s School Librarian of the Year Award and is an advocate for the role of school libraries’ crucial role in education. She is a contributing author and editor for UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy Curriculum for Educators and Learners. She serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Education for Library and Information Science. |
15:00 – 15:45 | Bringing stories to life (Arabic) Afra Atiq Afra Atiq, United Arab EmiratesSpoken Word PoetDr Afra Atiq is an Emirati poet, scholar, and teaching artist. She has spent the last 10 years at the intersection of education and culture. She completed her PhD in Creative Industries at UAE University. She also earned a Master’s Degree in international relations and diplomacy. Over the years, she has mentored, and coached, students and writers. Her artistic work explores a broad range of topics which include heritage, culture, and legacy. Dr Afra has been awarded for her poetry and has been featured on stages across the world. She writes and performs in a blend of English, Arabic and French. Maitha Al Khayat, United Arab EmiratesAuthorMaitha Al Khayat is an Emirati mother, an international children’s author, illustrator. In less than 10 years, Al Khayat has published nearly 200 books; some translated into English and Turkish, and others used in curriculums at schools around the country. She has won many literary awards and her latest achievements are winning best Arabic picture book “Hunting My Breakfast”, and best English Picture Book “Aisha’s Pearl” at the Sharjah Children’s Book Award, at the Sharjah Reading Festival 2024.She also inspires adults and children on how to write and illustrate picture books. |
16:00 – 16:45 | Open access – Arabic Alwaleed AlKhaja Alwaleed AlKhaja, QatarHead of Open Access & CopyrightMr. Alwaleed AlKhaja is the Head of Open Access & Copyright at Qatar National Library. Abdulla Khalifa Alhefeiti, United Arab EmiratesAssistant Vice PresidentDr. Abdulla Al-Hefeiti is the Assistant Vice president of Khalifa University libraries. His research interests include library consortiums, digital libraries, and library-academics collaboration. Training in the Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians at Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2023 and two courses: a nondegree program in marketing and library services and information system from McGill University in Canada. involved in many regional library events, such as Chair of Special Libraries Association – Arabian Gulf Chapter (2008-2010), ALA, AFLA, and AFLI; he is a member of the Scientific Research Evaluation Committee – Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Award for Culture and Science. Imad Bachir, IraqChairImad Bachir has been the Dean of Libraries at AUIB since March 2021. Formerly, was director of the Faculty of Information at the Lebanese University, Director of Libraries at Qatar University, and was the Chair of the first IFLA MENA Committee. Dr Bachir obtained his B.A. in Library and Information Studies from the Lebanese University in 1985. Afterwards, he joined the University College London (UCL) to receive his master’s degree in 1989 and his Ph.D. degree in 1995. He worked for Al-Hayat Arabic daily in London from 1988 until 1999. Dr Bachir taught at the Lebanese university since1996. Currently supervises Ph. D. Students. |
Day 2 – Room 3 | |
09:30 – 10:15 | The role of Open Access and curating global resources (English) Myra Garces-Bacsal Myra Garces-Bacsal, United Arab EmiratesAssistant Dean for Research and Graduate StudiesMyra has served as a teacher educator for over 15 years in both Singapore and the UAE. She is the Assistant Dean for Research & Graduate Studies for the College of Education, UAE University. She was a Research Fellow at the International Youth Library in Munich (2016-2017) and was Chair of the Programme Committee for the Asian Festival of Children’s Content held annually in Singapore (2011-2019). She is a quintessential nerd who lives and breathes books which she shares through her website, GatheringBooks.org. Myra enjoys organizing events and festivals where fellow nerds converge and attempt to joyfully change the world |
15:00 – 15:45 | Anti-Trafficking Presentation Building Guidelines Tan Huism Tan Huism, QatarExecutive DirectorHuism joined Qatar National Library (QNL) in September 2021. During her tenure at QNL, she has overseen the reopening up of the library after the pandemic restrictions, the successful development of the library’s mobile application and digital research repository for Qatar, and the highest physical visitorship to QNL in 2023 at over 1 million. Prior to joining QNL, Huism was the Senior Director of the Archives and Libraries Group at Singapore’s National Library Board. She was also the Director of the National Library, Singapore. In addition, Huism also curated several exhibitions for the National Library, Singapore, including one on Southeast Asian Qur’ans for QNL. Before joining the library sector, Huism worked in the museum sector for over 18 years. She is also secretary of IFLA’s National Libraries Section. |