Mohammed Bin Rashid Library had a delegation attend the 35th Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference in association with Sultan Qaboos University. The meeting was between November 12-14, in Muscat, Oman. In the backdrop of the idea presented was 'Arab Libraries and Archives Institutions and Their Role in Promoting Digital Identity and Citizenship'.
The conference honored the library with the Excellence in the Use of Artificial Intelligence. This reflects and underlines a very innovative approach by the library toward how it exploits artificial intelligence to enhance user experiences and further improve its digital services to par with current global advancement. The said award further underscores the continuous effort of the library towards driving the digital transformation within the library and information sector, both in the region and globally.
Dr. Mohammed Salem AlMazrooei, Board Member at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, said: “Our participation in the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference reflects our vision of building knowledge and cultural bridges that contribute to enriching the visitors’ experience and consolidate the role of our library as a beacon of knowledge and a platform for cultural exchange. These events allow us to share experiences and learn about the latest innovations in the public library sector, which supports the development of our services, enhances the efficiency of our staff, and provides a unique experience that meets the vision and aspirations of the UAE’s leadership in building a knowledge-based society capable of leading a comprehensive development renaissance over the next fifty years”.
Ali Juma Al Tamimi, Director of Libraries Department, said: “Our participation in this conference highlights the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library’s pioneering role in digital transformation and promoting digital citizenship. We are proud to showcase our experience in “A World in Your Language” initiative, which represents an innovative model in employing artificial intelligence to promote knowledge and bridge cultural gaps”.
Al Tamimi added: “Through this conference, we aim to share experiences with experts in the library and information sector, and explore new horizons for cooperation in digital archiving and developing future library services”.
During its participation, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library presented a research paper highlighting its pioneering initiative,'A World in Your Language', to produce audiobooks in multiple languages using the latest artificial intelligence technologies. This initiative plays a major role in removing barriers between cultures by making books understandable to readers from different nationalities.
Through the research paper, the library team reviewed the role of artificial intelligence and its various applications in enhancing the quality of services provided in public libraries, how to employ it in educational institutions, and its effectiveness in providing quality information and services. In addition, the paper reviewed the mechanism for implementing 'A World in Your Language' initiative, the tools used, and the challenges the team faced before succeeding in becoming a bridge for knowledge in several languages.
As part of its conference participation, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library engaged in discussions around improving services in linguistically, ethnically, and culturally diverse communities. It looked at better access to intellectual content in the Arab world, bridging language barriers through intensive translation efforts, and ensuring best-in-class services for readers and researchers. In addition, it shared the latest developments in artificial intelligence and trends in archiving and technologies in libraries.
Such programs and events depict a commitment of such a participation by the library for the exchange of knowledge, co-operation with international experts and researchers, establishing strategic partnerships, and updating its knowledge on the latest developments and innovations public libraries and archival services would be expressing. It hence continues to gain institutions' updating of performance and the way of providing innovative services to the community.
