This year, SILC will foster meaningful professional dialogue on the evolving role of libraries in the lives of individuals and communities. Its programme will cover a broad spectrum of library models, including public, school and specialised libraries, and will also explore the latest trends in contemporary technologies and their role in building knowledge-based societies.

A broad vision for the role of libraries

His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: “The 13th edition of the Sharjah International Library Conference marks another milestone in the evolution of a conference that has established itself as one of the world's leading platforms for exchanging expertise and exploring the future of libraries. It is rooted in a vision that recognises libraries as essential to the development of individuals and societies and views them as knowledge institutions capable of adapting to educational, technological and societal change, while strengthening people's engagement with knowledge at every stage of life.”

Al Ameri added: “The impact of libraries today is measured by their ability to empower users to think, make informed choices and engage meaningfully with sources of knowledge. They are knowledge institutions that play a pivotal role in empowering individuals, supporting innovation and building knowledge-based societies. This reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to establish books and knowledge as fundamental pillars of human development, as well as the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, to further strengthen the conference’s position as a global platform for advancing the library sector, empowering its professionals and strengthening international cooperation to shape the future of libraries.”

A professional programme that meets librarians’ needs

Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at Sharjah Book Authority, said: “In developing this year's programme, we were keen to reflect the most significant developments shaping the global library sector and to address the trends and challenges that will shape the future of knowledge. The programme offers participants practical opportunities to enhance services, measure programme impact, and build more effective partnerships with educational and community institutions, strengthening libraries’ ability to respond to the ever-changing needs of their communities while adapting to emerging technologies and evolving professional practices.”

The conference forms part of the Sharjah Book Authority’s efforts to reinforce the emirate’s position as a global centre for professional dialogue in the library and knowledge sectors, and to further integrate the Sharjah International Book Fair with specialised conferences held alongside it. This provides professionals across the book industry with broader opportunities for learning, networking and partnership-building.