Doha: The 7th Arab Forum for directors of libraries and information centers commenced Sunday in Doha under the theme "Towards Optimal Investment in Information Infrastructure and Knowledge Technologies." Hosted for the first time by Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture, the forum is organized in collaboration with the Arab Organization for Administrative Development, affiliated with the League of Arab States.
According to Qatar News Agency,the five-day event brings together a distinguished group of professionals from both public and private sectors, including experts in information management, knowledge technologies, and digital transformation from various Arab countries. It also welcomes directors of libraries, information centers, and archival institutions, along with representatives from library and information departments across Arab institutions.
The forum aims to highlight the importance of investing in information sectors and modern knowledge technologies while exploring ways to enhance library and information institutions using advanced knowledge frameworks to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
In his opening remarks, Director of Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture, Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, emphasized that hosting this forum in Doha reflects the ministry's commitment to developing the library sector. He noted that this commitment is demonstrated through the adoption of modern best practices, enhancement of service quality, and strengthening of libraries as vital hubs of knowledge and culture.
Speaking to QNA, Al Buainain highlighted the significance of Qatar hosting this forum for the first time, describing it as a distinguished event where participants exchange expertise and successful experiences. He noted that the discussions aim to develop digital strategies that enhance institutional efficiency and open new avenues for information organizations across the Arab world.
For his part, Head of Digital Library Group at the Arab Organization for Administrative Development, Dr. Hassan Hussein Ali, stated in his opening speech that the forum aligns with the organization's mission to serve comprehensive development in the Arab world. He stressed that optimizing investment in information infrastructure and knowledge technologies is now a necessity for keeping up with global developments and enhancing the competitiveness of Arab countries and their institutions.
In a statement to QNA, Dr. Hassan Ali praised Qatar's efforts in advancing libraries and for hosting this forum for the first time outside the headquarters of the Arab Organization for Administrative Development.
Regarding key challenges facing libraries in the Arab world, Head of the Special Libraries Association - Arabian Gulf Branch, Dr. Hassan Al Sereihy, told QNA that rapid technological changes pose the greatest challenge. He noted that evolving user needs and limited resources require continuous adaptation and development of library services. He emphasized that libraries are no longer static institutions but must evolve dynamically in response to technological advancements.
Dr. Al Sereihy also stressed the need for libraries to embrace modern communication technologies, artificial intelligence applications, and innovative approaches, moving beyond traditional models. He called for forward-thinking strategies to reshape libraries into progressive, adaptive institutions that support sustainable development goals in Arab countries.
The first dialogue sessions in the forum dealt with the concept of information and knowledge and the importance of organizing them in information institutions, and were attended by Head of the Special Libraries Association - Arabian Gulf Branch Dr. Hassan Al Sereihy, Vice Chairman of the Memory of the World Committee for Arab Region (MOWCAR) Dr. Sherif Kamil Shahin, and Head of the Department of Libraries and Information at Helwan University in Egypt Dr. Imad Issa Saleh.
Participants in the session emphasized the importance of organizing information and knowledge as a key investment for improving performance, boosting productivity, and fostering innovation. They highlighted recent developments in library and information management, including the shift from physical preservation to digital platforms, and discussed other factors that enhance the quality and utility of information for both institutions and society.
They also stressed in their remarks the need to share best practices and strategic plans, in addition to paying attention to cybersecurity for libraries and taking the necessary measures to protect data and information, and working on advisory content as a tool to educate users and beneficiaries about the safety of using the Internet and protecting institutional data.
Dr. Hassan Al Sereihy stressed that the technologies that the world is witnessing today are successive, which requires Arab libraries to keep pace with them and adapt to them to achieve institutional excellence, as strength does not lie in the information or knowledge aspect, but rather in the strength of knowledge management itself and sharing it with others, calling for the need to be aware of modern technologies, creativity, and innovation.
For his part, Dr. Sherif Kamil emphasized the need to employ technical developments in obtaining knowledge, and that there should be an exchange of it at the level of universities and libraries in the Arab world, which is full of prominent knowledge treasures, noting that digital transformation differs from digitization in that the former is more comprehensive and broader, and pushes Arab institutions to become an interactive entity that benefits from the developments of the era.
Dr. Imad Issa Saleh called for developing the performance of library specialists in the Arab world, and that this should be through non-stereotypical thinking that goes beyond traditional molds, with the aim of keeping pace with the rapid and successive developments in obtaining knowledge.
Over five days, the forum participants will discuss various topics, including the infrastructure requirements for a society of information and knowledge, the role of AI in library services, smart applications for big data analysis, the Internet of Things in information institutions, cloud computing, and the use of augmented and virtual reality technologies in libraries. A workshop will also explore the role of libraries in enhancing and protecting cultural identity, covering areas such as preserving cultural heritage, digitizing resources, supporting creativity and innovation, and raising awareness of the importance of cultural heritage.