ALA Sharjah School Librarians Conference starts on Tuesday
Marking a significant milestone for the region's educational and library sectors, the inaugural edition of the ALA Sharjah School Librarians Conference, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), will open on Tuesday at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Running until April 16, the event is set to welcome leading experts in the school library sector, along with school librarians, educators and education supervisors from the UAE and worldwide.
Organised in collaboration with the American Library Association (ALA), the conference offers school librarians a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, explore best practices in library management, and strengthen their skills to address today's educational challenges.
Partnerships to foster advanced learning environments
The conference will open with a keynote address by Becky Calzada, President of the American Association of School Librarians and Library Services Coordinator at Leander Independent School District in Texas.
Her speech will highlight the role of libraries in enriching educational environments and fostering strong school-based partnerships.
The programme features a series of specialised workshops and sessions.
Dr. Margaret Merga, Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle, Australia, will lead a session on the value of reading for pleasure and its role in cultivating a school reading culture.
Dr Elizabeth Burns, Associate Professor in the Department of STEM Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University in Virginia, USA, will present tools and strategies for assessing student learning in reading.
Participants will also gain insights from practical case studies on transforming school libraries into dynamic learning spaces, including a session spotlighting the experience of Suncrest Elementary School.
Another session, led by Dr Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Director of Children's Creative Enrichment Programmes at the Eid Stories Institute in the UAE, will focus on motivational strategies to engage reluctant readers and inspire a love of books.
Technology, family engagement, and community connection
On the second day, the conference will highlight the use of advanced technologies such as virtual reality, audio reading apps and artificial intelligence to promote reading.
Cherity Pennington, Director of Libraries and Media Services at Shawnee Public Schools in Oklahoma, USA, will lead a session on strategies for effective communication with families, emphasising the vital role of parental engagement in supporting children's learning.
The programme also includes sessions featuring school librarians from across the UAE, who will share their experiences in fostering a reading culture within their schools. The conference will conclude with a session titled 'Coming together through associations to empower school librarians', presented by Becky Calzada.
An interactive space, the 'Knowledge Café', will offer participants the chance to engage with speakers and experts, network, and discuss a range of topics in an informal setting.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
24-05-2025
- Sharjah 24
Bodour Al Qasimi explores cooperation between Sharjah, Paris
During the visit, both parties agreed to establish new and sustainable avenues for cultural collaboration by developing joint programmes in manuscripts, cultural artefacts, and children's literature. This included potential plans to host 'Sharjah Literary Days' in Paris, a recurring event designed to foster cultural exchange and literary dialogue between Sharjah and the French capital. As a gesture of Sharjah's appreciation for global cultural institutions, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi presented copies of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language to both the historic and modern branches of the French National Library in Paris. This act recognised the institution's important role in preserving written heritage and celebrated the collaborative efforts to promote the Arabic language globally. Forging lasting cultural partnerships Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, accompanied by H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and a delegation from the Authority, was received by Gilles Pécout, President of the National Library of France, along with Madame Marie de Laubier, Director of Collections, and Jean-François Roseau, Director of International Relations. The delegation toured the Richelieu site, where they were briefed on its principal research facilities, rare collections, and the methods used for the preservation and digitisation of documents and manuscripts, in addition to the advanced services provided to researchers from around the world. Commenting on the visit, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi emphasised that the collaboration represents a significant milestone in Sharjah's ongoing efforts to forge lasting cultural partnerships with leading global knowledge institutions. She said: 'In Sharjah, we believe that libraries are not simply repositories of books, but vibrant spaces for cultural engagement serving as a bridge that connects humanity's memory with the future. We are dedicated to advancing innovative projects that extend the global presence of Arab culture and strengthen Sharjah's position as a conduit between East and West.' She continued: 'The Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language embodies a message of cultural dialogue conveyed through our language. Presenting it to the National Library of France is an open invitation to civilisational exchange. We hold this revered institution in high regard for its integral role in safeguarding written heritage, and we are confident that our collaboration will open new avenues in areas that resonate with the core of human cultural identity.' Collaboration and cultural exchange During the visit, the two sides identified several key areas of potential collaboration, including the organisation of joint exhibitions, both online and on-ground. A central element of this initiative will be the reciprocal loan of rare manuscripts and historical documents, which will be exhibited in both Sharjah and Paris. These exhibitions aim to offer audiences a unique opportunity to engage with a rich and diverse human heritage while deepening the cultural dialogue between Arab and French societies through the shared legacy of books and archival materials. They also agreed to collaborate in children's literature and promote reading in the mother tongue among younger generations. This includes developing specialised programmes to increase the visibility of Emirati and Arab content for children and young adults in France, while also expanding the presence of French children's literature in Sharjah and the UAE. The programme will include workshops, field activities, and reciprocal visits. The agreements further encompassed the launch of high-level professional cooperation initiatives between Sharjah Public Libraries and the National Library of France, focusing on exchanging expertise and collaborative efforts to enhance library infrastructure and promote sustainable knowledge integration between the two institutions. The history of the National Library of France As one of the oldest cultural institutions in Europe and the world, with origins that date back to the 14th century, the library was officially established in its modern form in 1537 under King Francis I. At the time he issued a decree mandating that publishers deposit a copy of every publication with the library, positioning it as one of the earliest institutions to adopt the legal deposit system in history. Today, the library holds more than 40 million items, encompassing books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, images, and recordings, and spans all branches of knowledge in numerous languages. It is also recognised globally as a premier resource for researchers and scholars, particularly renowned for its rare holdings, including manuscripts, antiquarian books, and historical documents that chart the evolution of human thought. The library also offers cutting-edge digital research services and annually draws thousands of visitors and academics with its architectural fusion of heritage and innovation. SBA's visit underscores its dedication to forming strategic cultural partnerships with leading global knowledge institutions, which is in line with its mission to foster the publishing sector and promote cultural dialogue on an international scale.
Gulf Today
22-05-2025
- Gulf Today
UNESCO honours Sheikh Sultan for Arabic historical dictionary
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a Supreme Council Member and the Ruler of Sharjah, was awarded a distinguished UNESCO honour upon the completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. At the official ceremony held at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris, themed "Arabic Language: A Bridge Between Heritage and Knowledge,' Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), was present, along with Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). Upon his arrival at UNESCO headquarters, Sheikh Sultan was received and warmly welcomed by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO; Fahd Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France; Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah's Department of Culture; Jamal Al Turaifi, President of Al Qasimia University; Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority; Ali Al-Haj Al Ali, UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO; and Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. Sheikh Sultan delivered a speech during the ceremony, stating, "It is my honour to stand among you today in this esteemed cultural forum at UNESCO, whose noble mission we revere and whose fruitful partnership we cherish. Together, we commemorate a groundbreaking scholarly and cultural milestone-the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language." "This occasion is further enriched by its coincidence with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day designated by UNESCO to promote mutual understanding and respect among cultures, reinforcing our collective humanity." Sheikh Sultan receives Certificate of Appreciation from Audrey Azoulay at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris. WAM "Language, in all its forms, undeniably serves as the main repository of culture and the most authentic reflection of a community's identity. In celebrating the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language today, we honour a vital aspect of our rich human diversity, represented by the Arabic language, which carries a deep civilisational heritage and has had a significant scientific and humanistic impact.' Sheikh Sultan subsequently emphasised the contributions of the partner institutions that played a role in the creation of the dictionary, stating, "Sharjah, through its Arabic Language Academy and in collaboration with the Union of Arab Scientific and Language Academies in Cairo, along with linguistic academies, institutes, and institutions throughout the Arab world, succeeded in the completion of this dictionary in one hundred and twenty-seven volumes, as you see before you both in print and online.' "I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the numerous researchers and proofreaders from diverse Arab nations whose remarkable dedication has made this accomplishment achievable." "For centuries, Arabic has been a dynamic and enduring language, embodying the heritage of an entire civilisation and encompassing a multitude of fields of knowledge. It serves as the language of the Holy Qur'an, the means of communication for philosophers and scientists, and the artistic means for poets and intellectuals. Even now, it persists in accomplishing its mission throughout the domains of knowledge. But unlike other languages, no academic work has yet been done to show how its lexicon and meanings have changed over time. Thus, the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language originated as a vision, evolved into a project, and has now come to fruition-thanks to the collaboration of efforts, the amalgamation of expertise, and a steadfast dedication." Sheikh Sultan emphasised that all languages possess an equal right to exist and evolve, stating, "When we restore to Arabic its rightful history and highlight the aspects of its development, we simultaneously affirm to the world that every language is entitled to existence, progress and celebration, and that cultural justice demands that humanity not be reduced to a single tongue, nor the civilisations of peoples confined to one model.' "Just as biodiversity ensures the continuity of life, cultural and linguistic diversity secures the ongoing evolution and revitalisation of human creativity.' He then conveyed his sincere appreciation to UNESCO for recognising the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and for the collaborative cultural initiatives between Sharjah and the organisation. "Our celebration of this work within UNESCO's premises sends a clear message that culture transcends borders and that Arab endeavours, undertaken with sincerity and a collective spirit, receive global acknowledgement and acceptance. From this podium, I express my heartfelt gratitude to UNESCO and its member states for their strong belief in the significance of Arabic and for their collaborative efforts in various initiatives-most notably, the Sharjah-UNESCO Arab Culture Award, which represents our cultural alignment with this esteemed organisation and its members." Sheikha Jawaher and Sheikha Bodour at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris. WAM He wrapped up with a call for unity, stating, "Let us move forward together, dear friends, hand in hand, to enhance our cultural dialogue, to protect our common human heritage, and to guarantee that every culture's voice is acknowledged, every language valued, and every people stay true to their genuine identity.' At the ceremony, Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, presented a speech to welcome His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. She expressed her pleasure regarding the visit of the Sharjah delegation to Paris, acknowledging the emirate as a worldwide centre of knowledge and culture. Azoulay emphasised Sharjah's significant investments in diverse areas that align with UNESCO's mission, pointing out its achievement of multiple international cultural awards, including UNESCO's recognition of Sharjah as a "World Book Capital" in 2019. This acknowledgement highlights Sharjah's eternal commitment to literature, cultural heritage, the spread of knowledge, and cultural diversity. Azoulay praised the foresight of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, which has placed culture and knowledge at the heart of Sharjah's policies. She recognised the emirate's arrangements for various cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions that span multiple areas of culture, arts, and history. These initiatives, such as the UNESCO-Sharjah Award for Arab Culture, promote intercultural dialogue and highlight the lasting collaboration between Sharjah and UNESCO that has continued for over 25 years. She acknowledged Sharjah's initiative in signing an agreement to digitise UNESCO's archives, marking a significant step towards preserving the organisation's vast collection of books and documents, some of which date back over 80 years. This initiative guarantees the protection of precious historical documents that detail various events, agreements, and initiatives. Azoulay conveyed her appreciation for the successful completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, a significant accomplishment achieved under the guidance of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Created by a multitude of researchers and editors from 20 linguistic institutions throughout the Arab world, this dictionary has earned recognition from the Guinness World Records as the largest historical dictionary, consisting of 127 volumes. It has been officially included in UNESCO's library, offering educators, researchers, students, and Arabic language enthusiasts a thorough resource. She highlighted the richness and value of the Arabic language, showcasing its adaptability over time and its importance to millions around the globe. Azoulay highlighted her investigation of the term "peace", tracing it back to the triliteral root of the Arabic word mase, represented by the letters (س-ل-م), and noting its semantic similarities in different languages. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan signed a copy of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and presented it as a gift to UNESCO. WAM
Al Etihad
21-05-2025
- Al Etihad
UNESCO honours Sharjah Ruler for Arabic historical dictionary
21 May 2025 22:41 PARIS, 21st May, 2025 (WAM)His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a Supreme Council Member and the Ruler of Sharjah, was awarded a distinguished UNESCO honour upon the completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic the official ceremony held at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris, themed 'Arabic Language: A Bridge Between Heritage and Knowledge', Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), was present, along with Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).Upon his arrival at UNESCO headquarters, His Highness was received and warmly welcomed by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO; Fahd Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France; Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah's Department of Culture; Jamal Al-Turaifi, President of Al Qasimia University; Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority; Ali Al-Haj Al Ali, UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO; and Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Highness delivered a speech during the ceremony, stating, "It is my honour to stand among you today in this esteemed cultural forum at UNESCO, whose noble mission we revere and whose fruitful partnership we cherish. Together, we commemorate a groundbreaking scholarly and cultural milestone—the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. This occasion is further enriched by its coincidence with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day designated by UNESCO to promote mutual understanding and respect among cultures, reinforcing our collective humanity.""Language, in all its forms, undeniably serves as the main repository of culture and the most authentic reflection of a community's identity. In celebrating the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language today, we honour a vital aspect of our rich human diversity, represented by the Arabic language, which carries a deep civilisational heritage and has had a significant scientific and humanistic impact," His Highness subsequently emphasised the contributions of the partner institutions that played a role in the creation of the dictionary, stating, "Sharjah, through its Arabic Language Academy and in collaboration with the Union of Arab Scientific and Language Academies in Cairo, along with linguistic academies, institutes, and institutions throughout the Arab world, succeeded in the completion of this dictionary in one hundred and twenty-seven volumes, as you see before you both in print and online. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the numerous researchers and proofreaders from diverse Arab nations whose remarkable dedication has made this accomplishment achievable." He explained, "For centuries, Arabic has been a dynamic and enduring language, embodying the heritage of an entire civilisation and encompassing a multitude of fields of knowledge. It serves as the language of the Holy Qur'an, the means of communication for philosophers and scientists, and the artistic means for poets and intellectuals. Even now, it persists in accomplishing its mission throughout the domains of knowledge. "But unlike other languages, no academic work has yet been done to show how its lexicon and meanings have changed over time. Thus, the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language originated as a vision, evolved into a project, and has now come to fruition—thanks to the collaboration of efforts, the amalgamation of expertise, and a steadfast dedication."His Highness emphasised that all languages possess an equal right to exist and evolve, stating, "When we restore to Arabic its rightful history and highlight the aspects of its development, we simultaneously affirm to the world that every language is entitled to existence, progress and celebration, and that cultural justice demands that humanity not be reduced to a single tongue, nor the civilisations of peoples confined to one model. Just as biodiversity ensures the continuity of life, cultural and linguistic diversity secures the ongoing evolution and revitalisation of human creativity."He then conveyed his sincere appreciation to UNESCO for recognising the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, and for the collaborative cultural initiatives between Sharjah and the organisation. "Our celebration of this work within UNESCO's premises sends a clear message that culture transcends borders and that Arab endeavours, undertaken with sincerity and a collective spirit, receive global acknowledgement and acceptance. From this podium, I express my heartfelt gratitude to UNESCO and its member states for their strong belief in the significance of Arabic and for their collaborative efforts in various initiatives—most notably, the Sharjah–UNESCO Arab Culture Award, which represents our cultural alignment with this esteemed organisation and its members."He wrapped up with a call for unity, stating, "Let us move forward together, dear friends, hand in hand, to enhance our cultural dialogue, to protect our common human heritage, and to guarantee that every culture's voice is acknowledged, every language valued, and every people stay true to their genuine identity."At the ceremony, Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, presented a speech to welcome His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. She expressed her pleasure regarding the visit of the Sharjah delegation to Paris, acknowledging the emirate as a worldwide centre of knowledge and emphasised Sharjah's significant investments in diverse areas that align with UNESCO's mission, pointing out its achievement of multiple international cultural awards, including UNESCO's recognition of Sharjah as a World Book Capital in 2019. This acknowledgement highlights Sharjah's eternal commitment to literature, cultural heritage, the spread of knowledge, and cultural praised the foresight of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, which has placed culture and knowledge at the heart of Sharjah's policies. She recognised the emirate's arrangements for various cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions that span multiple areas of culture, arts, and initiatives, such as the UNESCO–Sharjah Award for Arab Culture, promote intercultural dialogue and highlight the lasting collaboration between Sharjah and UNESCO that has continued for over 25 acknowledged Sharjah's initiative in signing an agreement to digitise UNESCO's archives, marking a significant step towards preserving the organisation's vast collection of books and documents, some of which date back over 80 years. The initiative guarantees the protection of precious historical documents that detail various events, agreements, and also conveyed her appreciation for the successful completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic by a multitude of researchers and editors from 20 linguistic institutions throughout the Arab world, the dictionary has earned recognition from the Guinness World Records as the largest historical dictionary, consisting of 127 volumes. It has been officially included in UNESCO's library, offering educators, researchers, students, and Arabic language enthusiasts a thorough highlighted the richness and value of the Arabic language, showcasing its adaptability over time and its importance to millions around the globe. Azoulay highlighted her investigation of the term "peace", tracing it back to the triliteral root of the Arabic word mase, represented by the letters (س-ل-م), and noting its semantic similarities in different languages. At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness The Ruler of Sharjah signed a copy of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, and presented it as a gift to UNESCO.
