Latest news with #MansourAlHassani
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.'
Emirates 24/7
15-04-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Sharjah hosts ‘Sharjah NYU SPS Executive Publishing Program'
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) launched today the first edition of the Sharjah Executive Program for Publishing Professionals at the American University of Sharjah, in collaboration with the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media at NYU School of Professional Studies, with the participation of over 50 publishers from 17 countries. The four-day program brings together professionals specialised in the publishing sector. Held for the first time outside the United States, the program is a specialised educational initiative that aims to provide advanced training for publishing professionals in key areas including business strategies, digital practices, leadership skills, and other topics aligned with the global standards and demands of the publishing industry. Mansour Al Hassani, General Coordinator of Professional Conferences at the Sharjah Book Authority, affirmed that under the directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA, the authority places great importance on training publishers and equipping them with the latest global knowledge and technologies. He pointed out that the rapid expansion in publishing tools and the transformation of the market into a highly competitive digital environment require cultural institutions and publishing companies to stay up to date through high-level training programs. He stressed the SBA's commitment to providing high-quality educational platforms that bring together Arab and international publishers with global publishing experts to enhance their competencies and open new horizons for innovation and expansion, especially in digital transformation, marketing strategies, and modern distribution channels. Andrea Chambers, Associate Dean of the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media at NYU School of Professional Studies, described the program as a pioneering step to empower professionals in the publishing sector by providing them with best practices and strategies to enhance operational efficiency and sales. She highlighted that the program focuses on education and training as pillars for developing leadership skills and innovation, offering participants the opportunity to engage with leading thinkers and global experts, thereby broadening their horizons and strengthening their capacity to face challenges in the global publishing industry. Christie Henry, Director of Princeton University Press, led panel sessions sharing their experience in navigating market challenges, and discussed the opportunities and challenges of expanding into international markets, particularly the Chinese market. In a session titled 'The Power of Small Independent Publishers: The Princeton University Press Story,' Christie Henry affirmed that the success of publishing institutions does not rely solely on the quality of content, but also on building strategic relationships with readers, staff, and the wider community. She noted that reputation and loyalty are key to increasing revenue and achieving sustainable growth, and that publishing remains a risk-driven industry as it depends on ever-changing human behaviour, making data collection and analysis essential for understanding the market and making informed decisions. She explained that today's publishing industry requires a collaborative environment capable of adapting to rapid changes and adopting tools for positive engagement with readers, especially through partnerships with public libraries and schools to foster a love of reading from an early age. She emphasised that books have the power to shape the world we want to see. In the session 'Global Case Study: Princeton University Press in China,' Henry highlighted the opportunities offered by international publishing operations as well as the challenges they face, with a particular focus on the Chinese publishing market. The opening day also included networking and idea-sharing exercises for participants. Dan Hayter, Sales and Marketing Director at Glassboxx, delivered a session titled 'Telling Your Story: How a Website Can Attract Readers and Generate Revenue,' showcasing the importance of building a strong online presence in the digital age. The day's program also included a session titled 'Acquiring Titles for Global Audiences: What Works and Why,' led by Michael Reynolds, Editor-in-Chief of Europa Editions, who shared strategies for selecting titles suitable for diverse international readers. Inez Munsch, Managing Director at Abrams & Chronicle Books Ltd., presented a session titled 'Visualizing Global: Cover Design and Visual Appeal for International Audiences,' focusing on the visual elements that attract global readers. The program will continue over the next three days, discussing various topics including translation, global market trends, digital marketing, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the publishing industry, providing participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance their professional ambitions. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Sharjah 24
14-04-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SBA organises a specialised executive publishing programme
The programme is being held in collaboration with New York University (NYU) and the American University of Sharjah (AUS). First time outside the US Mansour Al Hassani stated that, in implementation of the directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Book Authority, the Authority has launched Sharjah Executive Publishing Programme, which is being held for the first time outside the United States and targets executive directors and publishing house owners. Speaking exclusively to Sharjah 24, Al Hassani explained that the programme, held in cooperation with NYU and AUS, has seen the participation of 50 executive directors and publishing house owners from 16 countries. Latest trends in content development The General Coordinator of Professional Conferences at SIBF noted that the programme addressed numerous topics related to publishing and distribution, including the latest trends in content development, marketing strategies, and the use of artificial intelligence in the publishing industry.
Gulf Today
09-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Booksellers Conference rconcludes on a successful note
The 4th International Booksellers Conference in Sharjah concluded on a high note, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with innovative strategies to navigate the evolving industry of bookselling. Over two days, the event brought together over 750 participants from 92 countries, including booksellers, publishers, and industry experts, underscoring its growing prominence as a global platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. The annual conference, organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has successfully reinforced its mission proving the indispensable role of booksellers as cultural custodians and intermediaries between authors and readers while addressing the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the industry. Commenting on the success of the 4th edition of the conference, Mansour Al Hassani, General Coordinator of Professional Conferences at SBA, stated, 'Guided by the leadership and patronage of our Chairperson, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, SBA is deeply committed to building a globally connected and skill-driven bookselling industry. Our annual conference provides a valuable forum for sharing best practices and innovative strategies, and has facilitated the forging of connections which are integral to the future of the sector. 'We are already witnessing the tangible impact of these strengthened relationships, which will undoubtedly lead to exciting new initiatives and partnerships, all while reinforcing Sharjah as a global capital for knowledge and culture.' Day 2 of the conference proved to be particularly insightful, offering a mix of keynote speeches, workshops, and industry-empowering discussions from some of the most prominent thought-leaders throughout the world. A major highlight was the keynote address by Michael Busch, Managing Partner of Thalia Bücher GmbH, who shared invaluable advice for attendees on transforming traditional bookselling into an omni-channel and platform-driven model. Busch stated: 'if one truly believes in something, it is only a matter of 'when' it will happen, not 'if.'' He highlighted the importance of booksellers providing title recommendations and noted that solutions to problems can often be found by stepping back and examining the broader context. Thalia, with $1.9 billion in annual sales and 530 bookstores in German-speaking countries, stands out as a diverse retailer, with revenue streams divided between stationary (28%), e-commerce (31%), e-books (34%), and audiobooks (9%). Busch stressed the strong partnerships between publishers and booksellers, advocating for dual sourcing as a lesson learned from the pandemic, and also that the bookselling industry has experienced steady growth of 2% per year over the last decade. He also expressed Thalia's commitment to improving literacy worldwide, recognising the global south as an exciting emerging market. The company is currently actively supporting child literacy programs in South America, particularly in Brazil, Peru, and Columbia, where initial projects have shown significant success in raising literacy rates from 50-60% to 80% within a year. One of the most innovative ideas presented during the conference was Federico Lang's Global Book Crawl initiative. This project aims to create a global network of independent bookstores, encouraging collaboration and cross-promotion to strengthen their collective presence in the market. Lang emphasised the need to shift the narrative surrounding indie bookstores, stating, 'We need to move away from the concept of small businesses and indie bookstores as victims of major distributors. Our true strength is our bond with the community. We have to make something out of it and work for the betterment of the services and the experience we provide.' The inaugural Global Book Crawl is scheduled for April 26, 2025, coinciding with Independent Bookstore Day in the US, and will involve a synchronised effort at stores in over 30 cities across six continents. Another standout session featured Nadia Wassef, co-founder of Egypt's leading independent bookstore chain, Diwan. Her talk resonated deeply with attendees, especially those from within the region, as she recounted her journey of building a bookstore that not only sells books but also serves as a cultural hub for the community. An integral component of the annual conference are the workshops and roundtable sessions which provide practical tools for booksellers to thrive and capitalise on the prevalence and emergence of digital technology. Topics ranged from formats such as audiobooks and e-commerce platforms, integrating artificial intelligence, optimising operations, and using data analytics and social media for better discoverability and community building. Guided by leaders and innovators within the industry, the roundtable discussions provided a valuable atmosphere of collaboration, having participants sharing experiences and brainstorming solutions to common challenges such as diversifying offerings and expanding access to underserved markets.
Sharjah 24
08-04-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Booksellers Conf. 2025 concludes forging connections
Commenting on the success of the 4th edition of the conference, Mansour Al Hassani, General Coordinator of Professional Conferences at SBA, stated, 'Guided by the leadership and patronage of our Chairperson, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, SBA is deeply committed to building a globally connected and skill-driven bookselling industry. Our annual conference provides a valuable forum for sharing best practices and innovative strategies, and has facilitated the forging of connections which are integral to the future of the sector. We are already witnessing the tangible impact of these strengthened relationships, which will undoubtedly lead to exciting new initiatives and partnerships, all while reinforcing Sharjah as a global capital for knowledge and culture.' Examining the broader context of the bookselling industry Day 2 of the conference proved to be particularly insightful, offering a mix of keynote speeches, workshops, and industry-empowering discussions from some of the most prominent thought-leaders throughout the world. A major highlight was the keynote address by Michael Busch, Managing Partner of Thalia Bücher GmbH, who shared invaluable advice for attendees on transforming traditional bookselling into an omni-channel and platform-driven model. Busch stated that 'if one truly believes in something, it is only a matter of 'when' it will happen, not 'if.'' He highlighted the importance of booksellers providing title recommendations and noted that solutions to problems can often be found by stepping back and examining the broader context. Thalia, with $1.9 billion in annual sales and 530 bookstores in German-speaking countries, stands out as a diverse retailer, with revenue streams divided between stationary (28%), e-commerce (31%), e-books (34%), and audiobooks (9%). Busch stressed the strong partnerships between publishers and booksellers, advocating for dual sourcing as a lesson learned from the pandemic, and also that the bookselling industry has experienced steady growth of 2% per year over the last decade. He also expressed Thalia's commitment to improving literacy worldwide, recognising the global south as an exciting emerging market. The company is currently actively supporting child literacy programs in South America, particularly in Brazil, Peru, and Columbia, where initial projects have shown significant success in raising literacy rates from 50-60% to 80% within a year. One of the most innovative ideas presented during the conference was Federico Lang's Global Book Crawl initiative. This project aims to create a global network of independent bookstores, encouraging collaboration and cross-promotion to strengthen their collective presence in the market. Lang emphasised the need to shift the narrative surrounding indie bookstores, stating, 'We need to move away from the concept of small businesses and indie bookstores as victims of major distributors. Our true strength is our bond with the community. We have to make something out of it and work for the betterment of the services and the experience we provide.' The inaugural Global Book Crawl is scheduled for April 26, 2025, coinciding with Independent Bookstore Day in the U.S., and will involve a synchronised effort at stores in over 30 cities across six continents. Another standout session featured Nadia Wassef, co-founder of Egypt's leading independent bookstore chain, Diwan. Her talk resonated deeply with attendees, especially those from within the region, as she recounted her journey of building a bookstore that not only sells books but also serves as a cultural hub for the community. Invaluable skill-sharing and networking An integral component of the annual conference are the workshops and roundtable sessions which provide practical tools for booksellers to thrive and capitalise on the prevalence and emergence of digital technology. Topics ranged from formats such as audiobooks and e-commerce platforms, integrating artificial intelligence, optimising operations, and using data analytics and social media for better discoverability and community building. Guided by leaders and innovators within the industry, the roundtable discussions provided a valuable atmosphere of collaboration, having participants sharing experiences and brainstorming solutions to common challenges such as diversifying offerings and expanding access to underserved markets.
