The 35th Conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, held under the theme 'Libraries and Arab Archive Institutions and Their Role in Promoting Identity and Digital Citizenship', concluded on Wednesday.
The conference, co-organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Sultan Qaboos University, saw its closing ceremony under the auspices of Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture.
The conference aimed to explore the role of libraries and archive institutions in strengthening identity and digital citizenship, addressing core topics on digital citizenship, identity and the challenges associated with artificial intelligence featuring over 100 speakers.
Muna al Siyabi, Director of the Department of Public Libraries and Cultural Centres, stated that the conference focused on five research areas related to the role of information and archival institutions in instilling digital citizenship values and enhancing digital identity in society.
She emphasised that the sessions provided an essential platform to explore the impact of libraries and archive institutions in fostering cultural and digital identity in the Arab world, opening new opportunities for collaboration and development in this vital field.
The sessions saw fruitful interactions and enriching discussions, with numerous initiatives and research presented to enhance digital engagement and protect cultural heritage, underscoring the importance of this sector in addressing current digital challenges.
Over the two days, the conference showcased pioneering models in the field, where participants exchanged ideas and proposals to improve institutional efficiency and impact individual and community practices.
Nabhan al Harrasi, President of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information and Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, stated the efforts made by the Scientific Committee, which worked tirelessly for eight months to prepare and present the conference materials.
Al Harrasi expressed his happiness with the success of the conference, which was reflected in the hearts and eyes of the esteemed guests. He added, "We reaffirm our commitment to several principles that we will continue to follow in the coming years, which are to support and enhance the role of libraries in spreading awareness and culture."
The concluding day included ten diverse sessions, focusing on topics such as the role of national libraries in promoting cultural identity and digital citizenship, and the role of digital archives in heritage preservation. The conference highlighted the experiences of Omani and Arab institutions, such as Oman Memory Centre’s library and the Algerian National Archive.
The conference was accompanied by a tech exhibition with more than 20 companies from various countries, showcasing the latest technologies in library and archival management. Additionally, cultural and touristic visits were organised for participants, including visits to the National Museum, the Royal Opera House Muscat, and Sultan Qaboos University, offering an opportunity to explore Omani cultural and historical landmarks.
Pic by: Abdulwahid al Hamadani
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