Collaboration aims to improve and expand literacy in the region
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is pleased to announce that it has partnered with the American Library Association (ALA) - a non-profit organization that promotes libraries and library education internationally, and the oldest and largest library association in the world - in an attempt to improve and expand literacy across the UAE.
The announcement follows on SIBF's successful participation in the 2013 ALA Annual Conference earlier this year, where representatives offered information and resources to US libraries to help showcase UAE culture and libraries, and build related collections of materials.
Established as part of the ALA's "Partnering to build stronger libraries worldwide" mission, the collaboration aims to raise the visibility and use of libraries in Sharjah and the region. In addition, it will see improved delivery of ALA's face-to-face, digital, and print products and services to the region in locally and culturally appropriate formats.
According to Ahmed Al Ameri, Director of Sharjah International Book Fair, the partnership is in line with SIBF's efforts to promote the love of the printed word and its creation, and to help showcase the culture of the United Arab Emirates.
"Libraries are depositories of knowledge and act as cultural resource centres where people, irrespective of age, gender, or socio economic background, can access information from across the world and thus expand their horizons," he said. "We are very excited to embark on this collaboration with the American Library Association with the aim of raising the visibility and use of libraries in Sharjah."
He added: "We also consider this an excellent opportunity to improve the delivery of appropriate products, services, and opportunities to audiences throughout the region.
ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels added: "We're looking forward to a long-term relationship with the Sharjah International Book Fair that will help us meet our global mission, and we are eager to work together on the development of related professional activities, seminars, and forums, and to extending the opportunities for current members in the region to participate in and benefit from engagement with ALA."
The annual Sharjah International Book Fair was established in 1982 and is one of the four largest international book fairs in the world. It is open to the public and professionals and its 2012 edition saw the attendance of more than 942 exhibitors and 600,000 visitors.
About SIBF:
The Sharjah International Book Fair was established in 1982 under an Emiri decree issued by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and has grown to become one of the biggest book fairs in the Middle East.
The 10-day annual Book Fair is a direct result of Sharjah's dedication and commitment to developing and maintaining a culture of reading within the Emirate and the UAE, as is clearly encapsulated in the SIBF motto - For the love of the written word.
For more information, please contact:
Farah Al-Obaidi
SAHARA Communications
Tel: 00971-4-3298996
Mob: 00971503323158
Email: farah@saharagcc.com
www.saharagcc.com
© Press Release 2013
