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The report indicated the number of the association members grew during 2024, as the year began with 71 members, including 51 active memberships and 20 affiliate memberships.
With the increase in scientific events and programmes organised by the association, the number rose to 115 members, including 74 active members and 41 affiliate members by the end of November 2024. Institutional membership was also activated for the first time, with the registration of 17 local entities, including universities and public libraries.
During the same year, the association presented more than 24 scientific programmes and specialised lectures, which varied between personal and virtual events. The programmes included various topics aimed at developing professionals and workers in the field of libraries and information, which contributes to improving professional performance and enhancing efficiency in this sector.
ELIA also concluded prominent cooperation agreements, including an agreement with the Arab Administrative Development Organisation affiliated with the League of Arab States to strengthen relations with leading international institutions in the library and information sector, and another agreement with Sharjah Public Libraries to develop the sector and enhance joint cooperation.
The association also organised the first UAE Libraries Forum, which aimed to deepen the role of libraries and information institutions in supporting culture, education and scientific research. The forum focused on enhancing the capabilities of librarians in the fields of management and development, in addition to employing the latest technologies to achieve a sustainable impact that enhances the role of libraries in serving the community and contributes to achieving the goals of sustainable development.
ELIA launched the library grant, in cooperation with the Emirates Publishers Association, in a step aimed at supporting the publishing and libraries sector and expanding access to knowledge opportunities.
In addition, the association organised a series of meetings with local and international entities, most notably the Centre for Continuing Education and Professional Development at the University of Sharjah, the Ministry of Community Development, Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), the Library of Alexandria, the Ministry of Education, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, in addition to the International Federation of Library Associations and Information (IFLA).
The association also participated in a number of prominent events during 2024, including Sharjah International Book Fair, Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Sharjah Heritage Days, and the First Library Forum at Khorfakkan University.
On the international level, ELIA represented the UAE in prestigious events such as the Cairo International Book Fair, the Greece International Book Fair, the Egyptian Library Association Forum, the British Library Association Conference, the Muscat International Book Fair, and the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference, reflecting its keenness to enhance its regional and international presence.
Fahad Ali Al Maamari, Chairman of ELIA said that the associations always strives to achieve excellence in developing the library and information sector, and works to strengthen partnerships with local and international institutions to ensure sustainable success. In the future, ELIA aspires to introduce new initiatives that support innovation and digital transformation in this vital sector, with a focus on developing the professional skills of its workers. He concluded that the association will continue to strive to achieve a leading position for the UAE on the global map of libraries and information.
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