A delegation from Sharjah Public Library (SPL), a subsidiary of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), visited five major libraries in Singapore as part of its participation in a benchmarking study of the public libraries in the island state, from July 9 – 12, 2019. The benchmarking practice allowed SPL to examine the best practices of industry leaders in the field of library science, and to identify any shortcomings in its present system and address them to further enhance its services and offerings.

The four-day visit included benchmarking programmes with the National Library Board of Singapore, Singapore National Library, Central Public Library, Bedok Public Library, Jurong Regional library, Tampines Regional Library, Hrbourfron Librray and Orchard Library.

On July 9, the SPL delegation, was briefed on the working of the National Library Board (NLB), they were given a tour of the National Library, Jurong Regional Library and Central Public Library.

Over the course of the next three days, the delegation visited the Bedok Public Library, Tampines Regional Library, Harbourfront Library, Orchard Library for an overview of their current programmes and study where services are effective, where improvements can be made and how they can be adopted by public libraries in Sharjah.

Eman Bushulaibi, Director of SPL, said: “The Sharjah Public Library is committed to raising the bar in its offerings to the public. We decided to participate in this benchmarking programmes with NLB to enhance our services and consolidate the concepts of excellence and innovation among our staff by developing their skills and abilities. This supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh
Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to raise the performance of public libraries in the emirate on par with the highest global standards.”

Through these efforts and multiple strategic partnerships, SPL continually strives to improve its services, cultivate knowledge sharing and encourage appreciation and awareness of Sharjah’s history by making library content streamlined and more easily accessible to people.

The Sharjah Public Library was established as a private library in 1925, by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, under the name ‘Al Qasimiyah Library’. Its location has since changed several times, from Al Hisn Square under the Mudeef Building to Sharjah City Municipality, then to Africa Hall, to Sharjah Cultural Centre and Sharjah University City.

In May 2011, the Sharjah Ruler inaugurated the new building of the library at the Cultural Palace Square, with the name, Sharjah Public Library. The new facility contains more than half a million books in multiple languages across numerous fields, including science, humanities, art and literature, with branches in Kalba, Wadi Al Helou, Dibba Al Hisn, Khorfakkan and Al Dhaid.