The Sharjah Libraries’ Literature Award Forum has announced ‘Information Institutions and Cultural and Creative Industries’ as the theme for the forthcoming edition of its prestigious award. The focus will be on three central pillars: the integration of information institutions with cultural and creative industries, evaluating their economic impact, and empowering human capital to drive innovation within the creative sectors.

The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 24th Sharjah Libraries’ Literature Award Forum, organised by the Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL). The forum discussed critical topics surrounding libraries’ current state and future trajectory and emphasised libraries’ indispensable role in fostering cultural and creative industries and acting as vital centres of knowledge and innovation.

The lively discussions over two days at the Sharjah Book Authority’s headquarters culminated in a series of recommendations aimed at shaping a forward-thinking vision for the library sector in the region while enriching dialogue on the development of cultural policies related to libraries.

The significance of the upcoming edition’s theme

The theme for the 25th edition underscores the critical role that cultural and creative sectors play in advancing sustainable development. These industries embody a shared human experience and serve as a fundamental component of the soft power wielded by nations and civilisations. By aligning these industries with the library and information sector, the award aims to strengthen the business community within these crucial fields.

Forum recommendations: A roadmap for library development

During her speech at the closing ceremony, Eman Bushalibi, Director of SPL, said: “As we look ahead and lay the groundwork for the 25th edition, we are at a historic juncture. Next year, we will not only celebrate the silver jubilee of this prestigious award but also mark the centenary of SPL, which continues to solidify Sharjah’s global standing in the realms of knowledge and culture and the pivotal role of public libraries in empowering and supporting cultural and creative industries.”

The Director also outlined the key recommendations arising from the discussions and meetings throughout the forum. These include strengthening partnerships between information institutions, entrepreneurial ventures, and community organisations. The recommendations further highlighted the importance of integrating global best practices in artificial intelligence to enhance library services across all sectors, improve institutional efficiency, and meet users’ growing demands.

While recognising the rapid pace of technological change, the forum’s recommendations emphasised preserving the human values that distinguish libraries. These institutions play a vital role in supporting creative and cultural industries by providing a knowledge-rich environment that fosters innovation. They also have a key role in preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations, ensuring the continuity of creative and intellectual production.

Empowering knowledge to build a generation of readers

The forum’s second day featured panel discussions, including ‘Public Libraries: Empowering Knowledge to Build a Reading Generation.’ The speakers included Sheikha Alshamsi, Director of Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, and Amrah Al Hinaai from the Jamal bin Omir Library in Oman.

The session emphasised libraries’ crucial role in shaping conscious and impactful generations, highlighting the importance of reading in this process. Alshamsi explained how Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah connects young women with literature, turning reading into a transformative, life-enriching experience through literary clubs and diverse events. For her part, Al Hinaai underscored the role of libraries in bridging generational gaps, fostering learning and knowledge in young people, and connecting them with their cultural heritage.

Public libraries as community hubs

The panel, titled ‘Public Libraries as Community Hubs,’ featured Abdul Hamid Al Yasi, Director of the Youth Welfare Department at Sharjah Youth, and Dr Emad Gaballah, Professional Programmes and Awards Officer at SPL.

Al Yasi discussed how libraries contribute to building cohesive communities, noting that the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators has successfully established a library network as essential links between young people and knowledge. He also emphasised the importance of curating books suitable for different age groups and aligning with Emirati values.

For his part, Dr. Gaballah highlighted how public libraries evolve into community hubs when cultural institutions collaborate, as seen in Sharjah, where libraries, universities, and cultural centres work together to create a thriving, knowledge-rich environment.

Public libraries and entrepreneurship

The forum’s final session, ‘Public Libraries and Entrepreneurship,’ featured Alya Alshamsi, Head of Marketing at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), and Iman Ben Chaibah, founder of Sail Publishing.

Alshamsi highlighted the efforts Sheraa is making to empower youth in culture and creativity, providing a supportive environment to turn their innovative ideas into reality. She highlighted projects like Bookends, an online platform for second-hand books, as an example of successful entrepreneurship in the creative industries. Bin Sheiba spoke about the role of the ‘Onshur’ fund in supporting emerging publishers and providing the necessary financial and technical resources for their projects.

The day concluded with a special session organised by SPL to showcase the research of the second and third-place winners of the 24th edition of the award. The session, led by Dr Ramadan Elkhouly, highlighted the innovative practices of the winning institutions and their contributions to the library sector.