The National Library and Archives Hosts the 33rd Conference of the Arab Federation of Libraries and Information in Abu Dhabi

Hosted in Abu Dhabi, the 33rd conference of the Arab Federation of Libraries and Information is held in collaboration with the National Library and Archives (NLA), under the theme "Integration of National Information and Knowledge Institutions in the UAE: Libraries, Archives and Museums".  The cooperation stems from the NLA’s desire to establish effective partnerships, strengthen cooperation and joint efforts for sustainable development as work began to establish an Emirati national library that is comparable to the largest national libraries in the world, and that will be a civilizational and cultural beacon for the United Arab Emirates
On the NLA’s interest in the 33rd Conference of the Arab Federation of Libraries and Information, H.E. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, said: “We attach great importance to this conference as the next stage will see the establishment of a distinguished national library and we consider libraries as reading oases and essential pillar and component of knowledge. We hope to attract experts and specialists to this conference and to the results of its meetings, which will discuss the role of libraries, national documentation information centers, national archives and museums, the status of national information and knowledge institutions in countries, their interest in preserving, managing, making available and serving knowledge and heritage, and the memory of the nation, especially in light of the technical developments and other influential variables.
He added that the development of information and knowledge institutions’ functions contributes mainly to the consolidation of the knowledge economy to meet the future and maintain progress, and this development requires the cooperation and integration of these important institutions to carry on their successful activities. He indicated that this makes the conference an important opportunity to hold discussion and dialogue, and explore advanced knowledge and skills and successful experiences, which are catalysts for development and progress in this field.
His Excellency underlined that the National Archives and Library will take advantage of the conference and the participation of high-level experts and professionals to integrate future visions and goals, lay the solid foundations of the National Library and integrate roles to serve culture in the UAE, which is an integral part of the world cultural scene.
It is worth mentioning that various topics will be discussed at the 33rd conference of the Arab Federation of Libraries and Information, namely, National Library in the third millennium and its future role; National archives, documentation centers and museums in the third millennium and the future roles, policies and strategies of information and knowledge in the country; Information and knowledge institutions’ role in supporting national development plans and visions; National libraries and alliances with national, regional and international professional institutions; Integration of functions and tasks between national libraries, archives and museums; National libraries and their role in preserving national heritage, National libraries’ role in developing legislation and laws on information and knowledge; National libraries’ role in supporting national policies and strategies for the knowledge economy; New technologies’ role and impact on the functioning of national knowledge institutions (libraries, archives and museums); New trends in content management systems, digitization and management of national museums, archives and libraries, in addition to several workshops and specialized sessions that will take place at the conference.