SPL deliberates AI in libraries, honours top Arab researchers

October 20, 2025 / 6:58 PM

Sharjah 24: Iman Bushlaibi, the Director of Sharjah Public Libraries, recently announced the start of the fourth Sharjah Library Literature Forum at the Sharjah Book Authority. This forum celebrates the winners of the 25th edition of the Sharjah Award for Library Literature and brings together a group of experts to talk about the latest developments in libraries and how they serve the public. This year's theme is "Artificial Intelligence in Libraries: Innovation and Impact," and the event will run until October 21.

This took place during the opening ceremony of the Sharjah Award for Library Literature Forum 2025, hosted at the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) headquarters, in the presence of Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, alongside officials, academics, researchers and specialists in library and information sciences, representatives of Arab information institutions, and forum participants.

In an interview with Sharjah 24, Bushlaibi highlighted how artificial intelligence, or AI, is becoming part of everyday life, making it crucial for libraries to adapt. Libraries have an important role in preserving knowledge and ensuring that people can access accurate information. She noted that this change isn't just about technology; it also affects how libraries operate and how librarians carry out their work.

Bushlaibi explained that as AI tools become more common, the role of librarians will also change. Skills like logical thinking and research will become even more important. These skills will help librarians support the public and researchers in finding reliable information and navigating the challenges that new technologies can create.

The forum's program is designed to cover various aspects of how artificial intelligence can be used in libraries, from the necessary technology to improving services and finding new ways of operating. This will help researchers identify topics that they can use in their studies and projects to make libraries even better.

She announced the opening of participation in the new cycle of the award, starting today, Monday, in three categories: Researchers, Information Institutions and Libraries in the Arab World, and Best Practice in the Field of Specialization. She explained that the expansion of the categories, previously limited to scientific research, aims to highlight case studies and successful practices within libraries and facilitate the exchange of experiences. Entries will continue to be accepted until June 2026.

The first day of the forum was home to panel discussions and research papers addressing the future of libraries in the era of artificial intelligence, and the role of modern technologies in developing information services and knowledge management. The sessions also reviewed Arab and international experiences in digital transformation and smart digitisation. The

Speakers discussed the importance of continuous professional development for those working in the sector, and ways to build effective partnerships between information institutions and cultural and creative industries, to bolster libraries’ role as a centre for innovation and lifelong learning.

Honouring five winners across the award categories

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri honoured the winners in the award’s three categories. The ceremony began with the research category, which included three winners: first place went to Dr. Riyadh bin Nasser Mohammed Al-Furaiji, second place to Dr. Yasmin Khalid, and third place to Dr. Abdul Rahman Ahmed Farraj.

The House of Wisdom in Sharjah was named the winner of the “Best Arab library or information institution” award category. The “Best practice or project in the specialised field” award category went to the Manuscripts and Knowledge Heritage Preservation Department at Khorfakkan University Library.

Continuous professional development

In a recorded speech titled “Continuous professional development in the era of artificial intelligence”, Man Yi Helen Chan, Chair of Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), opened by thanking Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi for her continued support for advancing libraries in the UAE and globally. She stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to upskilling professionals in the library and information sector, enabling them to adapt to rapid digital change. She highlighted IFLA’s role in promoting lifelong learning through initiatives aimed at developing AI competencies and broadening professional capabilities. Chan outlined several IFLA programmes supporting this work, including webinars and open sessions that brought together representatives from IFLA’s regional committees worldwide.

Library and AI: a new partnership

The first day of the forum featured a panel discussion titled “From service to partnership: how do artificial intelligence tools reshape the library’s role?”, exploring how AI is redefining the library from a traditional service model to a dynamic, technology-driven partner in knowledge delivery. Speakers discussed the need to move beyond legacy roles, adopt intelligent systems for data management and digitisation, and reposition academic libraries as interactive platforms that support digital literacy and research.

Speaking during the session, Dr. Hassan Awad M. Alsereihy, Professor of Information Science at King Abdulaziz University, said: “The philosophy behind libraries remains constant, but our tools and practices must evolve. The library is built to endure, adapting like a living system to technological change.”

For his part, Dr. Moemen Elnasharty, Assistant Professor of Digital Humanities & Library, Information Science and Digital Archives, Faculty of Arts, Cairo University, said: “AI has shifted the university library from a static repository to a digital platform for managing data. Libraries must integrate smart technologies to remain relevant.”

Adding to the conversation, Hani Abd El Latif El Sawi, the Head of Digitisation Services at Qatar National Library, said: Advanced cataloguing and digitisation tools now allow computers to read manuscripts with near-human accuracy, saving time while still relying on expert oversight.”

On the adoption of AI, Yrjo Lappalainen, an Assistant Professor and Data Services Librarian at Zayed University, said: “Academic libraries are becoming interactive research platforms. At Zayed University, we’ve introduced digital literacy programmes and built an AI assistant, Aisha, to help users access data and services efficiently.”

The first day concluded with the three research award winners presenting their findings and proposed innovations to improve knowledge management and respond to rapid technological change.