Fahad Al-Maamar: Libraries improve cultural diplomacy

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Libraries and Information of the Emirates, Fahd Al Maamar, confirmed that interest in culture, reading and the reality of libraries is a priority of the leadership of the UAE and represents one of the main . axis of development strategies led by the State, indicating that the library sector is one of the main pillars of State policy towards cultural diplomacy with countries in the region and the world.

Al-Maamari revealed that the UAE includes 750 public and specialized libraries, a large number considering the Emirati community census, which indicates this number of libraries, in addition to the large personal libraries of individuals within the country. , was the fundamental motivation behind the establishment of the Emirates Library and Information Association.

Reading Culture This took place during a dialogue session moderated by poet and media personality Sheikha Al-Mutair and held as part of the 36th Guest of Honor Session of the Guadalajara International Book Fair, Sharjah. Several Mexican librarians and publishers who want to see the UAE’s expertise in supporting library existence in creating public knowledge and increasing the efficiency of public library staff.

Al-Maamari highlighted that the association acts in two main ways: the first is interested in organizing and activating the role of libraries in the cultural system of the country and works to increase the knowledge and experience of librarians and provide them. with modern experience, to strengthen their roles in promoting the culture of reading and making libraries a living and interactive place. The second path is related to the information contained in publications and support to the editorial movement related to libraries.

He explained that the association was established with the support and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasim, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in 2017, and during its early years passed through important milestones. He established the rules and strategies for his work and the effective start of his work was in 2021, stating that he works in two spaces that cover libraries across the country, the first refers to the libraries of the North Emirates and is managed . of the Emirate of Sharjah, while the other is related to the Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra Libraries and is managed from the Society’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Regarding the most visible initiatives launched by the association, Al-Maamari spoke about the contest dedicated to librarians by the association and which aims to honor those who work with prominence and special effort.

Library Development He noted that the association has a plan to develop libraries and the skills of their workers, including coordinating with universities in the UAE to find specializations in library science that equip students with library science and knowledge. An upcoming initiative that the association is working on in coordination with the Emirates Publishers Association.

The session had the participation of a specialized Mexican audience that works in libraries, during which the reality of libraries and their role in Mexico was reviewed, and it called for the opening of spaces for cooperation and joint work with the relevant institutions of the Emirate to intensify the impact. Libraries in the construction of conscious generations that can guide the future of the countries and nations of the world.