Speakers Test

Loida 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.

Emarati 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

HE 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.

Mr. Sultan Saif AlMazrouei is the Director of the Emirates Library & Information Association

Mr. David Mandel is Director, Center for Exhibits and Interpretation at Library of Congress.

H.E. Mohammed Ahmed AlMurr is the Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Foundation, Dubai, UAE.

A Palestinian poet, graphic designer, film director, and founder of Mediterranean Publications.

Helen 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.

Vipin 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.

Alice Kibombo is a librarian and Wikimedian (Wikibrarian) from Uganda. As an information professional she is interested in the intersection between libraries and technology, information literacy and continuous learning especially through curriculum development that addresses the evolving nature and needs of information professionals

Governor 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

His 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

Wanjiru Koinange is a Kenyan author, entrepreneur, and restorer of libearies. She is the author of the acclaimed novel “”The Havoc of Choice,”” which explores the impact of political unrest on a Kenyan family. She co-founded Book Bunk, an organization dedicated to restoring Nairobi’s public libraries, including Nairobi’s oldest library. Her work is driven by a passion for storytelling and community engagement, reflecting her commitment to preserving and promoting Kenyan culture and history. With a background in journalism and creative writing, she is a prominent voice in African literature, advocating for social change through the power of narrative.

Umida 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.

An 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

Tessa Michaelson Schmidt is the Director of the Cooperative Children’s Book Center of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tessa previously served as the Assistant State Superintendent of the Division for Libraries and Technology at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and as the Youth and Inclusive Services Consultant. She also worked as a public librarian, assistant library director, school librarian, and teacher. Tessa chaired the 2019 Batchelder Award Committee, served on the 2016 Caldecott Committee, and has chaired or served on several national committees. Tessa was the Wisconsin Library Association Librarian of the Year in 2014.

Ms Tatiana Usova is the Director of Library at Carnegie Mellon University Qatar

Sultan 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.

Stephen 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.

Ms. Serine Ben Brahim is the Director of Wikimedia UAE.

Kamran R. Kardan, founder and CEO of Knowledge E, holds a BSc in Engineering, an MSc in Marketing, and an MBA from the University of Manchester. With 20+ years of experience in the publishing industry, he has worked with top consortia, libraries, ministries, hospitals, research centres, and education institutions. Kamran has also launched Zendy.io, an AI powered research library that serves the global research community by removing barriers to scholarly content and research. Kamran’s lifelong interest in community development materialised further with the launch of the Knowledge E Foundation which supports education and research, especially in developing nations.

Dr. Bassam Daghestani is the Head of Preservation and Archives Department at the Juma Al Majd Cultural Centre.

Mr. Mohamad Alkamali is the Board Member of the Emirates Reprographic Rights Association

Dr. Abdulrahman Alasem holds a Ph.D. in Content Management from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. He has worked on a range research projects in the field of libraries and information in partnership with several governmental, private, and non-profit institutions. He has had many scientific research papers published on library and information science, information engineering, usability, and information seeking behaviors. Alasem has vast experience in the cultural sector, having worked as a supervisor at the Ministry of Culture and the Information Agency for Cultural Affairs. He has also been a member of several higher supervisory committees for major cultural projects such as Souq Okaz and the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, and served as supervisor of the Riyadh and Jeddah International Book Fairs. Additionally, he has academic accreditation expertize as an associate professor at the College of Computer and Information Sciences at Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University (IMSIU). Alasem has also served as Department President and as Deputy of the Deanship of Graduates for Development and Duality. Simultaneously, he oversaw the establishment of the Center for Documentation and Archives at the university and has also worked as a consultant to many governmental and non-profit institutions.

Merve Yavuzdemir is the Head of the Foreign Relations Department at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s General Directorate of Libraries and Publications in Türkiye. She is a member of IFLA’s ENSULIB, actively engaging in global library sustainability initiatives. Recognized for her innovative contributions, Yavuzdemir received the UNDP Social Innovation Award and has led several EU-funded projects. She coordinates numerous national and international events and has been honored with multiple awards in innovation. Additionally, as the founder of the Kütüp-Anne Platform, she promotes early childhood literacy and community engagement in libraries.

Mehmet Laçinkaya, with a background in Information Management from Hacettepe University, developed expertise in web design, programming, and IT. Early in his career, he focused on cataloging, indexing, authority files, and RDA standards at the General Directorate of Libraries and Publications (GDLP). Currently, he serves as the Head of the Information Systems Department, overseeing the information systems infrastructure for both the Turkiye National Library and all public libraries across Türkiye. His role involves managing the development of 14 software applications for the GDLP, network system administration, AI-based solutions, IP telephony systems, and various hardware and infrastructure projects.

Dr 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.

“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. “

Sharon 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.

Emirati 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.”

Ms. Mariam Jumaa is a Senior Librarian & Project Manager at Mohammed bin Rashid Library.

Hadeer Kamel is an Information Science Associate Professorat Library and Information Science Dep. Faculty of Arts, Al Wasl University. She designs and prepares syllabus, delivers lectures to undergraduate students and evaluates students’ academic performance.

Dr 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.

Alan is a Library educator with 20 years’ experience in reading, research, curation, and collaboration. As a dedicated librarian, he specializes in reading motivation, digital literacy, & optimizing library spaces. He particularly enjoys working in the academic integrity & plagiarism space, where he helps students learn by the power of their own mistakes. He is the Founder of Beyond Books, specialising in guiding schools in compliance and curriculum alignment. My mission is to ensure that every student has access to the knowledge and resources they need to thrive. His favorite book of all time is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

Prof. Paulo Lemos Horta is the Associate Professor of Literature at New York University Abu Dhabi.

Mr. Alwaleed AlKhaja is the Head of Open Access & Copyright at Qatar National Library.

Huism 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.

Constantia 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.

Ph.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

Dr. 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).

Imad 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.

Mr. Hussain AlSammak is the Deputy President of the Bahraini Library Association & AFLI representative in Bahrain.

Dr. Heba Ismail is the Vice President of the Arab Federation for Libraries & Information (AFLI).

Gulbakhor 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.

Researcher in Arabic literature and folklore, President of the Emirates Library and Information Association, and member of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Book Authority. I am a heritage consultant in a number of entities concerned with heritage, an author and published 20 publications on popular heritage and Arab literature, and I write articles. A heritage writer in a number of heritage periodicals, a radio program preparer and presenter, and I own a home library of more than 12,000 books.

He 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

Dr. 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.

Dr. Colin B. Bailey has served as the Director of the Morgan Library & Museum, New York since 2015. A scholar of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century French art, he is a specialist of Pierre-Auguste Renoir and has been responsible for many publications and exhibitions. He was made an Officier de l’Ordre des arts et des lettres in 2010. Among the many initiatives Bailey has spearheaded at the Morgan are the exterior restoration of J.Pierpont Morgan’s Library and the inauguration of the Belle da Costa Greene Curatorial Fellowships in the curatorial and special collections fields for promising scholars from historically underrepresented communities.

An 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.

Areej 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.

Alyazia Khalifa is a PhD holder on Intercultural Communication. As an entrepreneur she established AlFulk Translation and Publishing in 2015 as well as a creative hub in 2023; Orange Pier Printing and Distribution, as a solution to an on going struggle with printing solution for creatives individual. She was among the first Emirati authors to publish a silent book in 2018 which was chosen to be displayed at iBBy Silent Book International Exhibition. Her book “”The Mango Tree;”” (2018) a nostalgic chapter book about an Emirati’s girl, has been translated into Russian in 2020 and second edition in 2023.

Alicia 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.

Poet, Publisher & Culture Activist Ali holds a BSc. in Civil Engineering, and a Master’s Certificate in Project Management. His works have been longlisted for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, and he has won the Al Oweis Literary Creativity Award. The poet has received acclaim from critics and the audience alike, and he was honored by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi at the Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival in 2024. His poetry collection “For the Earth, One Soul” has been translated into Greek, Spanish, Turkish, Korean, and English, and published in both Spanish and Turkish languages.

Dr. Ahmed Zayed is the Director of Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt.

Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi is determined in preserving this culture and ensuring the legacy of our forefathers and foremothers is recited to our children now as it once was. Having identified a lack of stories written in English, we pursue our ambition hoping to bring our stories to life for nationals and residents of the Middle East. Our unique series of books include relatable characters who speak to children living in the region, teaching and reminding them of both our proud history and cultural identity.

Myra 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

Master’s degree in Library and Information Science PhD student in Islamic history and civilization Head of the National Culture and Documents Department at Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage Member of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Library and Information Association Presenter of programs on Sharjah Radio

Dr. Sami Moubayed is a Historian, Writer, elected researcher at Royal Historical Society in London

Saif 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.

Rosemary 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.

Published author, with five publications and over 40 years of experience in art and cultural heritage. Since the 1980s, at the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi, she has been contributing to the establishment of cultural & art; advising on museum displays, leading and driving cultural projects. She worked in an advisory capacity alongside cultural institutions, world renowned auction houses and VIP art collectors, while maintaining her private costume workshop and interior design consultancy. Founded The Zay Initiative, dedicated to the preservation and documentation of Arab cultural heritage, focusing on collection, conservation, and forming the first specialized digital archive in the region.

Presently working as Consultant with READ India as Regional Director South since May 2023. Prior to joining as Dean of Library Services Krea University in Sri City Andhra Pradesh in January 2019 I was the Founding Director of Ashoka University Library. Managing and creating systems and services from scratch to establish the University Library. Worked with Public Health Foundation of India for five years from Dec 2007 to 2012. Established five branch Libraries of the Indian Institute of Public Health. Assisted the Communication division in proposal development and conduct of programmes in Mental Health and got support from Government of India for five states. Have raised funds for developing rural Libraries across villages surrounding the University. Raised funds for Youth Led Advocacy for Mental Health and many other programmes such as workshops and conferences.

Prof. Peter Gaititi is the President of the Kenya Library Association.

Patricia 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.

Dr. 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.

Muhsin Al Musawi is a Professor at Columbia University.

Masud 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.

As a seasoned strategist with 23 years of rich and diverse experience, Maryam Al Falahi has honed her expertise in crafting and executing strategies that drive performance and foster organizational growth. Her journey has equipped her with a profound understanding of strategy execution, social sector development, talent management, career development, and succession planning. She is passionate about developing people, nurturing leadership, and promoting a collaborative culture that propels organizations toward their strategic goals.

Experienced 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.

Maitha 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.

Louis 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.

Liisa Savolainen has two decades of experience at the National Library of Finland, where she currently serves as the Deputy Director. Her experience at the National Library includes leadership roles such as Head of Research Library and Head of Services. In her current role as a senior management member, she is responsible of organizational development, strategic planning, and financial management. Liisa Savolainen is actively involved in the international library community, serving as the Chair of the IFLA National Libraries’ Standing Committee and holding the position of President at Bibliotheca Baltica, a collaborative organization of libraries in the Baltic Sea Region.

Lamia 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.