12th SILC highlights AI, innovation, and community engagement

Dubai: The 12th Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC), organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA), brought together more than 400 experts from 30 countries to discuss the evolving role of libraries in the digital era.

According to Al Mudassar News Agency, H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said the collaboration with ALA reflects Sharjah’s vision inspired by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who believes that nations are built through books and knowledge.

Keynote speaker Dr. Maria McCauley described libraries as spaces of learning, healing, and peace, while Dr. Sandra Hirsh of San Jose State University shared insights from her book Library 2035, emphasizing adaptability, leadership, and technology integration.

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Highlights included the UAE National Library & Archives’ AI platform ‘nlaGPT’, new strategies for digital collections by Overdrive, and workshops on AI, teaching, and technical services.

The 2025 edition also featured new exhibitions, a Librarians’ Lounge for networking, and discussions on digital equity and innovation — reinforcing libraries’ role as vital community hubs of knowledge and connection.