Latest news with #AASL
Al Etihad
17-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Sharjah School Librarians Conference calls for harnessing technology, community to boost reading
17 Apr 2025 10:43 SHARJAH (WAM) The inaugural Sharjah School Librarians Conference, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, concluded Wednesday at Expo Centre Sharjah, following two days of insightful dialogue and collaboration between 170 education professionals, including international experts, school librarians, and in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA), the Emirates Library and Information Association (ELIA), the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), and the Combined Book Exhibit, the conference also showcased successful case studies and innovative strategies for engaging students, parents and the wider community. It further highlighted the role of modern technologies in encouraging reading and expanding its reach.A media specialist at The Skokie School in the United States, Todd Burleson, led a session titled 'Connecting reading and new technologies,' as part of the concluding examined how digital tools can transform the reading experience in school libraries, highlighting the potential of audiobooks, virtual reality, and AI-driven speech-to-text applications to enhance student engagement, particularly among reluctant Abdul Muttalib from Al Majd Model School in Sharjah and Jumana Hanoun, librarian and UNESCO programme coordinator, offered practical insights into how technology can foster engaging and dynamic reading environmentsThe session titled 'Connecting and partnering with families' highlighted the essential role of parents in fostering long-term reading habits among a session titled 'Coming together through associations to empower school librarians,' Becky Calzada, President of AASL, emphasised the value of collective action and knowledge exchange among underscored the role of professional associations as vital platforms for sharing resources, advancing skills, and strengthening the visibility and impact of school librarians across varied educational conference also hosted the 'Knowledge Café,' an informal forum encouraging attendees to engage with experts and included strategies for supporting reluctant readers, assessing student learning, building collaboration between librarians and teachers, integrating technology with reading, engaging families, and empowering local event concluded with a session titled 'Sharing and next steps,' featuring reflections from UAE-based school librarians on advancing reading initiatives in local schools. Certificates were then awarded to all participants, with attendees affirming the importance of continuing such professional gatherings to expand the role of school libraries across the Arab world.
Zawya
15-04-2025
- General
- Zawya
Sharjah commences inaugural ALA School Librarians Conference uniting global educators to inspire lifelong learning
Sharjah: The inaugural ALA School Librarians Conference in Sharjah commenced today (Tuesday) at Expo Centre Sharjah, highlighting the emirate's dedication to fostering a reading culture and enhancing school library systems across the region. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and the American Library Association (ALA), in collaboration with the Emirates Library and Information Association (ELIA), American Association of School Libraries (AASL) and the Combined Book Exhibit; the two-day event brings together a distinguished lineup of school librarians and education experts from around the world. The opening ceremony was attended by Mansour Al Hassani, General Coordinator of Professional Conferences at SBA; Michael Dowling, Director of Chapter Relations Office & International Relations Office at ALA; alongside educators, academic supervisors, and librarians from the UAE and beyond. Commenting on the inaugural event Hassani said, 'Schools serve as the foundation for building a cohesive knowledge-based society, with school libraries forming the cornerstone of young generations' relationship with reading and books. Under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, this conference is envisioned as a platform for exchanging specialised expertise and a practical opportunity to empower professionals in the school library sector. By providing access to global tools and experiences, the initiative aims to transform school libraries into interactive and inspiring environments.' International collaboration among school librarians The inaugural event commenced 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, USA. During her speech she said, 'Literacy and reading shape the minds and futures of individual readers, not just by providing access to books, but by inspiring a lifelong love of reading. Books serve as windows to the world, offering knowledge, inspiration, and endless possibilities that extend far beyond the classroom. To foster this effectively, we must collaborate, share our experiences, and learn from one another. At AASL we embrace the 'Backwards Design' philosophy, starting with the outcomes we want and working backward to create the best path forward. Developing strong reading habits requires consistency, curiosity, empathy, and a nurturing environment, qualities that empower students not only for academic and career success but for lifelong personal growth.' 'The challenges of literacy engagement are universal, whether in the UAE, the USA, or anywhere in between, which makes the exchange of ideas among librarians, educators, and literary experts vital at conferences such as these. Reading is fundamental to personal and academic achievement, and through school libraries, librarians serve as guides who help students discover not only information but also inspiration, confidence, and a sense of belonging that will support them throughout their lives,' she added. Cultivating a culture of reading for pleasure and read-aloud practices in schools In the conference's first session, Dr Margaret K. Merga, Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle, Australia; Founder of Merga Consulting; and author; explored the positive impact of reading on students' literacy development and how school libraries can establish an inclusive reading culture. She began by saying, 'Think about what you love about reading and what it brings to your life; this is the key to inspiring a passion for reading in school children.' 'Reading for pleasure not only ignites engagement but also builds empathy, cognitive stamina, and provides an escape from daily pressures. Creating a culture of reading through whole-school literacy policies is essential, as it enhances engagement and ensures reading becomes a shared priority across the educational community. As librarians and educators, you are also social influencers with the power to instill a lifelong love of books. What you do matters deeply; research shows that students who recognise the value of reading beyond basic literacy are far more likely to develop daily reading habits,' Merga stated. She continued discussing her research saying, 'In 2024, we conducted a global survey within the school library workforce across 63 countries, gathering insights from 971 respondents. While the findings highlighted challenges such as deprofessionalization; with over two-thirds reporting that retired librarians were often replaced by less qualified staff; and the need to strengthen collaboration with classroom teachers, they also underscore the incredible role you play in the lives of your students, and I'm confident that school library communities can continue to inspire generations of readers and learners to come.'
Sharjah 24
26-03-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SBA partners with ALA for inaugural School Librarians Conference
The conference will feature a comprehensive program of workshops and keynote speeches from industry leaders, offering participants valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in school library management. Additionally, it will provide a unique opportunity for networking among librarians and educators, as well as exhibition space for vendors to showcase their products and services within the industry. Registration for the ALA School Librarians Conference is now open. Updates on registration procedures and deadlines can be found at Literacy and reading promotion workshop for school librarians A cornerstone of the conference will be a comprehensive two-day workshop organised by the SBA, ALA, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), and the Emirate Library and Information Association. This collaborative effort underscores their shared mission to encourage sustained reading habits among today's youth, and the workshop will bring together expert librarians from the United States as well as other nations, alongside outstanding industry leaders and school librarians from the United Arab Emirates. Participants in the workshop can expect to gain new knowledge and skills to enhance their role in school communities and will learn innovative ideas for programming and student engagement, as well as best practices for creating integrated learning environments where students become sustained readers. Participants will also have the opportunity to share their own best practices and success stories with others, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes mutual learning and growth. Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Ahmed Al Ameri, CEO of SBA stated, 'As the first of its kind in the region, the ALA School Librarians Conference will offer unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth. School librarians are highly important for educational equity and this conference will amplify their voices and provide actionable frameworks to ensure every student has access to resources that ignite curiosity and lifelong learning.' Expanding on this, Mansoor Al Hassani, Director of Publishing Services at SBA said, 'This conference represents a step in the ongoing efforts of SBA to develop the library ecosystem in Sharjah and the wider region, and by partnering with the ALA, we will bring world-class expertise to the region, further cementing Sharjah's position as a knowledge hub.' Early booking is encouraged to secure participation in workshops, as well as businesses wanting to participate in the exhibition spaces.
