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SIBF laying groundwork for 2015 SIBF/ALA Library Conference
Sharjah - The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), an affiliate of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), is participating in ALA Chicago, the 2015 Midwinter Meetings and Exhibits of the American Library Association, which is taking place from the 30th of January to the 3rd of February.
Held annually in a different major US city each year, the ALA Midwinter Meeting attracts a focused group of top library professionals from across the country and across all facets of librarianship and information technology as well as exhibits by over 450 organisations featuring the latest in books, technologies and services.
SIBF is being represented by Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority, accompanied by Raeda Makhmareh, Senior Executive - IT at SIBF.
Speaking about SIBF's participation in ALA Chicago, Ahmed Al Ameri, remarked, "Supporting the growth of libraries in Sharjah and the UAE is a top priority for SIBF, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. In light of this the ALA Midwinter Meeting is an invaluable opportunity to network with library professionals and get a finger on the pulse of the latest developments and advancements in the library sector."
He went on to state that one of the primary goals of SIBF's participation was to lay the groundwork for the upcoming edition of the SIBF/ALA Library Conference. "Following the immense success of the first SIBF/ALA Library Conference last year, which will become an annual institution, we are now looking forward to continuing our partnership with the American Library Association."
During ALA Chicago, Mr Al Ameri will be meeting with a number of representatives of the ALA as well as leading organisations and companies to plan and prepare for the 2015 SIBF/ALA Library Conference. Mr Al Ameri has meetings scheduled with Cevin Bryerman from Publishers Weekly; Peter Gaviorno, Senior Director of Sales and Licensing at the American Psychological Association; Marcus Leaver, CEO of The Quarto Group; Keith Fiels, ALA Executive Director; Mary Mackay, ALA Marketing Director; Michael P. Dowling, Director of the ALA Chapter Relations Office and International Relations Office; and Jon Malinowski; President of the Combined Book Exhibit. In addition SIBF will be hosting a dinner at the popular Devon Seafood Grill.
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) was established in December 2014 by an Emiri decree by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
As per the decree, SBA is tasked with encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas between peoples from different civilizations and cultures. It is also tasked with emphasising the significant role of writers and their influence in spreading awareness in society in light of technological advancement and the availability of various sources of knowledge.
The authority assumes the responsibility of enhancing the Emirate's status on the local, regional, and international level to attract relevant bodies and figures operating in the cultural sector in general, and the publishing, printing, translation, documentation, and children's book sector in particular.
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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 4 biggest book fairs in the world .
The 11-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 love of the written word.
For more information, please contact:
Aliaa Al Ori
Sahara Communications
Tel: 0097143298996
Fax: 0097143298995
Mob: 00971558472270
aliao@saharagcc.com
www.saharagcc.com
© Press Release 2015
