(program will be updated and subject to change)
| 8:30 - 9:30 | Registration Sharjah Expo Centre |
| 9:30 - 10:15 | Welcome and Opening Keynote |
Integrating AI into Library Services and Advancing AI Literacy
Dr. Leo Lo
President, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), Dean and Professor, College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences at the University of New Mexico, USA.
| 10:15 - 10:45 | Break and Visit Exhibits |
| 10:45 - 11:40 | Session A (concurrent programs) |
I. The Experimental Library: How to Take Risks, Fail Forward, and Create Change
Using techniques garnered from startups and quickly evolving technology companies, this program explores how experimentation can be used to make evidence-based decisions and advance innovative initiatives. Discover how to foster a culture of curiosity and innovation regardless of budget constraints. Learn from the playbook of tech giants and startups, uncovering their secrets to effective experimentation. Dive into design thinking, IDEEA methodology, and user engagement techniques to develop and test prototypes. You’ll gain a concrete roadmap to infuse your library with a culture of experimentation, embracing failure, building skilled teams, and communicating around experiments for impactful change.
Cathryn Copper
Head of the Eberhard Zeidler Library, University of Toronto, Canada.
II. Building News Literacy: Lessons for Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in School Libraries
In an age of abundance of information, students' ability to develop news literacy skills by learning to identify, evaluate, and understand news and other related media is a critical skill set. This session will look at simple and effective approaches to bring news literacy skills into school libraries at every grade level and explore how current technologies impact how news is created and consumed.
Tom Bober, school librarian and district library coordinator, School District of Clayton, Missouri, USA
| 11:45 - 12:40 | Session B (concurrent programs) |
I. Reimagining Library Access and Support with Conversational AI
This presentation explores the innovative use of conversational AI in libraries through the development of "Aisha", an AI-powered chatbot at Zayed University Library, UAE. By integrating with the library's catalog and external sources like Google and Wikipedia, Aisha provides personalized support and offers a new and innovative way to interact with library services and resources. Developed in-house at Zayed University Library, Aisha also stands as an inspirational example of adopting conversational AI within libraries. This presentation will discuss the journey of creating Aisha, the challenges faced, and the solutions found, showcasing how conversational AI can potentially revolutionize library services, making them more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly.
Yrjo Lappalainen, Data Services Librarian Zayed University, UAE
Nikesh Narayanan, Information Technology Librarian, Zayed University, UAE
II. School Librarians, Part I: Innovations and Keys to Successes
Award winning school librarians will share how they created successful school library initiatives and programs.
Yasser Muhammad Abdul Muttalib, Al Majd Model School, Sharjah, UAE
Yousef Torman, Managing Director, Arab State Research Education Network (ASREN), Dusseldorf, Germany.
| 12:40 - 13:40 | Lunch and Library Exhibits |
| 13:45 - 14:40 | Session C (concurrent programs) |
I. The Playful Library: Building Environments for Learning and Creativity
There is a constant rise in library patron needs and expectations, and organizations are looking for new models to enhance engagement as well as illustrate the impact libraries have within their communities. A key ingredient is play, which acts as the lynchpin for functioning successfully as a team as well as impacting communities in positive ways. Looking through a “playful” lens focuses on “what is possible” encourages individuals and organizations to reflect and strategize while working in unconventional ways using tools which are readily and easily accessible for teaching, learning, or solving problems. Throughout this presentation you will learn more about creativity, play, and how to implement and embrace this culture within their own libraries and work lives.
Megan Lotts,
Art Librarian, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
II. Everyday Evidence-Based Practice in Libraries: Case Studies and Reflections
Libraries have long been centers for forging creative solutions. While processes and solutions must be customized for the local context, any library can use evidence-based methods. This session will provide an overview of the evidence-based library and information practice (EBLIP) cycle, introduced by Koufigiannakis and Brettle in 2016, and feature scenarios from a variety of functional areas in libraries. Topics include reference services, space planning, user support, collections and assessment. The goal of this session is to emphasize the importance of everyday EBLIP, while highlighting well-designed projects to inspire the work of others.
Meggan Houlihan,
Director, OSUN Library Resources Program, Open Society University Network.
III. School Librarians, Part 2: Innovations and Keys to Successes
Award winning school librarians will share how they created successful school library initiatives and programs.
Elisa Yolangco, School Librarian, Safa British School, Dubai, UAE.
Marina Koniotou, Librarian, Head of Library Services, Amity International School. Abu Dhabi, UAE
| 14:45 - 15:30 | Poster Session |
| 15:30 - 16:25 | Session D (concurrent programs) |
I. Libraries' Transformation in Open Sciences Era: Support from ASREN
Libraries have always been playing a significant role in supporting education and research in various aspects, mainly by availing and facilitating access to content. However, the traditional role of libraries must evolve to meet the needs of research and education communities and to align with the new era of Open Science and other global trends. The Arab State Research and Education Network (ASREN) is engaging libraries and librarians in Open Science initiatives. This session will highlight regional plans and efforts in adopting and deploying UNESCO’s recommendations in Open Access. It will highlight tools, platforms, and resources for libraries, including Pan Arab Regional Open Science Clouds.
Dr. Rawia Awadallah, Science Engagement Officer, Arab State Research Education Network (ASREN), Dusseldorf, Germany
Yousef Torman, Managing Director, Arab State Research Education Network (ASREN), Dusseldorf, Germany.
II. Integrating AI into School Libraries
This session will provide the latest efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into school libraries.
Ritesh Dhanak,
Chief Innovation and Digital Officer, GEMS Modern Academy, UAE
III. Academic Libraries and Community, Culture, and Collaboration
Here how the American University of Sharjah (AUS) Library created a collaborative partnership Barjeel Art Foundation and Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, for an exciting cultural journey. The Library exhibited more than 20 artworks, providing opportunities for visual analysis, critical thinking and personal interpretation.
Kara Jones, University Librarian, American University of Sharjah, UAE
| 8:30 - 9:00 | Registration (beverages and snacks) |
| 9:00 - 9:55 | Session E (concurrent programs) |
I. Reimagining the Libraries and Librarians of the Future
Essraa Nawar will explore how libraries are transitioning into dynamic centers of innovation, community engagement, and accessibility and how librarianship is evolving to meet the needs of the future. She will facilitate a conversation with ACRL President Leo Lo, Eman Bushulaibi, and Tom Bober on such topics as emerging services, inclusivity, and digital literacy in global and regional contexts that will be needed to sustain libraries and librarians as pillars of education and progress.
Essraa Nawar, Assistant Dean for Library DEI Initiatives and Development, Leatherby Libraries, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
| 10:00 - 10:55 | Session F (concurrent programs) |
I. Artificial Intelligence presents a promising avenue for libraries to revolutionize their marketing strategies and connect with a wider audience
This presentation aims to investigate the potential of AI in creating effective and innovative library marketing campaigns on social media. By examining some AI technologies, such as chatbots, social media analytics, and personalized Ads, this presentation will explore how libraries can utilize these technologies to enhance their visibility, engage with patrons on a deeper level, and ultimately achieve their mission of providing accessible knowledge and resources.
Sarah Abd ElSattar, Senior Marketing Specialist, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt
II. Storyliving: The Power of Cinematic Virtual Reality to Promote Empathy
Step into the future of education and discover how cinematic virtual reality revolutionizes storytelling, transforming it into a powerful vehicle for cultivating empathy and promoting global consciousness in students. Grounded in research, this session will explore virtual reality tools that librarians can harness to open students' eyes to the world around them and within them.
Dr. Andrea Trudeau, Library Information Specialist, Alan B. Shepherd Middle School, Deerfield, Illinois, U.S.A.
| 10:55 - 11:25 | Break and Exhibits |
| 11:30 - 12:30 | Knowledge Café |
| An opportunity for one on one and group discussions with experts and colleagues to ask, answer, discuss different issues and challenges going on in libraries. Come away with knowledge, ideas, and strategies to move yourself and your library forward. |
| 12:30 - 13:30 | Lunch and Library Exhibits |
| 13:30 - 14:25 | Session G (concurrent programs) |
I. The High-Impact Digital Library: Innovative Approaches for Outreach and Instructions
Digital library terms like “accessible,” “discoverable,” and “searchable” usually presume that passive collections are waiting to be found by motivated information seekers. Rarely do we envision collection managers initiating outreach with those most likely to benefit from the collections. Learn the many ways that successful digital library practitioners proactively promote their unique resources. This presentation will provide both inspiration and pragmatic guidance.
Anna Neatrour, Head of Digital Library Services J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah, USA.
II. The Village Library: Educating Rural Communities
The village library initiative is one of the outputs of the International Network of Emerging Library Innovators- Middle East and North Africa – Egypt. It is a vital destination for the local community, providing a variety of services and programs for people of all ages. The library plays an important role in promoting reading, learning, cultural participation in the community, and the development of rural children.
Mohamed Abd El Aziz, Misr Public Library, Egypt
III. The Value of Creative Commons Licenses and Certification
Creative Commons (CC) licenses are a valuable tool for educators, creators, and organizations that foster a culture of open sharing while protecting intellectual property rights. Participants will learn how to how to apply a CC license to documents or websites for your library or institution. And how to navigate the licensing process to create works that best incorporate multiple CC-licensed materials. And why you should consider earning a CC certification yourself. You will walk away from this session with practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of how Creative Commons (CC) licenses can benefit your professional and creative endeavors.
Véronique Lecat, Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, American University of Sharjah, UAE
| 14:25 - 14:55 | Poster Session |
| 15:00 - 15:55 | Session H (concurrent programs) |
I. Diverse and Comprehensive Initiatives from Abu Dhabi Libraries for People of Determination
Abu Dhabi public libraries have a core value of accessibility and inclusivity. Learn about their wide variety of initiatives and activities for People of Determination.
Fatema Abdul Rahman Al Tamimi,
Acting Library Management Director for the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
II. Bridging History and Technology: 3D Printing and Augmented Reality for Engaging Historical Analysis
This session will explore how 3D printing and augmented reality (AR) enhance students' critical thinking. Attendees will learn about tools and strategies used for creating and integrating 3D printed artifacts and digital AR experiences into their instruction, ultimately bringing history to life and making learning more accessible and engaging.
Dr. Andrea Trudeau,
Library Information Specialist, Alan B. Shepherd Middle School, Deerfield, Illinois, U.S.A.
Tom Bober,
school librarian and district library coordinator, School District of Clayton, Missouri, USA
| 16:00 - 16:30 | Conference Closing Session Distribution of Certificates |
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