Title: Promoting Literacy and Innovation: A Recap of the Inaugural Sharjah School Librarians Conference
SHARJAH, UAE – The inaugural Sharjah School Librarians Conference, a landmark event organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, culminated on Wednesday at the Expo Centre Sharjah, convening over 170 educational professionals, including prominent international experts, dedicated school librarians, and innovative teachers. This two-day gathering marked a significant milestone in the discourse surrounding literacy and the essential role of school libraries in fostering a love for reading among students.
In collaboration with esteemed organizations such as 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 provided a platform for sharing successful case studies and exploring innovative strategic frameworks aimed at enhancing literacy engagement among students, their families, and the broader community.
Central to the discussions was an examination of the transformative power of modern technologies in promoting reading. The conference’s closing day featured a session led by Todd Burleson, a media specialist at The Skokie School in the United States. His presentation, titled “Connecting Reading and New Technologies,” explored the myriad ways in which digital tools can revolutionize the reading experience within school libraries. Burleson illustrated how audiobooks, virtual reality, and AI-driven speech-to-text applications can significantly enhance student engagement, particularly among those reluctant to embrace traditional reading.
In addition to Burleson’s insights, Yasser Abdul Muttalib from Al Majd Model School in Sharjah and Jumana Hanoun, a librarian and UNESCO programme coordinator, provided practical examples of how technology can create more engaging and dynamic reading environments. Their session underscored the importance of integrating tech-savvy tools and resources into the fabric of school libraries, echoing a growing recognition of the need to adapt to the digital age.
The conference offered a vital conversation around the pivotal role of families in supporting long-term reading habits among students. Through a session titled “Connecting and Partnering with Families,” participants discussed strategies to engage parents effectively in their children’s literacy journeys. These discussions are particularly salient as educators strive to create a cohesive ecosystem that nurtures reading as a lifelong pursuit.
Another crucial discourse unfolded in the session “Coming Together Through Associations to Empower School Librarians.” Here, Becky Calzada, President of AASL, articulated the importance of collective action and knowledge exchange among educational professionals. Her remarks highlighted the invaluable role played by professional associations as platforms for resource sharing, skill enhancement, and elevating the visibility and influence of school librarians across diverse educational landscapes.
An engaging component of the conference was the “Knowledge Café,” an informal forum designed to facilitate interaction among attendees and experts. This setting fostered a collaborative spirit and allowed participants to delve into various pressing topics, including strategies for supporting reluctant readers, methods for assessing student learning, and fostering collaboration between librarians and teachers. The dialogues proved fruitful in generating innovative ideas aimed at integrating technology with reading initiatives and empowering local talents within the educational realm.
As the event drew to a close, participants engaged in reflective discussions during the session titled “Sharing and Next Steps.” UAE-based school librarians offered feedback on advancing reading initiatives within local schools, affirming the collective commitment to enhance the role of school libraries in fostering literacy. The conference wrapped up with a ceremony awarding certificates to all participants, an acknowledgment of their dedication to this critical cause.
The overwhelming sentiment among attendees was the recognition of the significance of such professional gatherings in the Arab world. As education continues to evolve, the insights and collaborative efforts initiated at the Sharjah School Librarians Conference will undoubtedly contribute to a sustained focus on enhancing literacy and redefining the role of libraries in educational institutions across the region.
The conference’s success not only exemplified a commitment to expanding literacy but also indicated a growing acknowledgment of the integration of technology in educational practices. Such events are crucial in shaping the future of education in the UAE and the wider Arab world, challenging traditional norms and inspiring a new generation of learners.
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