The Sharjah Book Authority has confirmed that the 13th edition of the event will feature presentations, workshops and discussions on how libraries can integrate emerging technologies while supporting community wellbeing and learning initiatives. Organisers plan full and half-day sessions alongside the larger Sharjah International Book Fair, which has grown into one of the region’s premier literary gatherings. A WAM report on the forthcoming conference highlighted its focus on adapting library services to contemporary demands across multiple sectors.
Previous editions of the Sharjah International Library Conference have drawn more than 400 professionals from over 30 countries, according to records cited in earlier WAM coverage of the American Library Association partnership. The ALA has collaborated on the programme for more than a decade, contributing expertise on collection development and digital resource management. Last year’s gathering took place in conjunction with the book fair and included calls for poster presentations that addressed practical implementations in academic and public libraries.
Discussions at the 2026 event are expected to cover artificial intelligence applications for cataloguing, personalised learning recommendations and data privacy within library systems, the authority indicated through the news agency. Sessions will also address libraries’ contributions to public health literacy, including access to reliable medical information and support for community wellness programmes. The conference builds on a trajectory in which Sharjah’s public libraries have expanded digital offerings and community outreach, according to figures released in prior authority statements.
The American Library Association has described the Sharjah gathering as a unique platform for international exchange on library innovation, with past presentations available for review on its official archives. This year’s programme will again invite submissions from global practitioners ahead of the November dates. Sharjah’s model has been recognised for fostering reading culture and technological integration, as noted in separate WAM dispatches on regional cultural initiatives.
Supporting context from the International Federation of Library Associations shows that libraries worldwide are increasingly positioned as key partners in digital equity and lifelong education efforts. In the Gulf region, similar forums have emphasised alignment with national development strategies that prioritise knowledge economies. The Sharjah Book Authority continues to coordinate with international bodies to ensure the conference agenda reflects both local priorities and global trends in information science.
Registration and detailed session information for the 2026 conference will be released through the official Sharjah International Library Conference website in the coming months, organisers stated via the Emirates News Agency. The event remains a cornerstone for professionals seeking to benchmark practices against international standards while addressing region-specific challenges in library management and service delivery.
