The 35th conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information has begun in Muscat, Oman, with the theme “Libraries and Arab Archives Institutions and Their Role in Promoting Digital Identity and Citizenship”. The event, which has been opened by HH Sayyid Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), aims to address the challenges and opportunities faced by libraries and archives institutions in the digital age. Ahmed bin Saud Al Rawahi, Assistant Director General of Knowledge and Cultural Development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, highlighted the essential role that libraries and archives play in preserving knowledge and fostering cultural identity.
The conference focuses on the pivotal role that libraries and archives play in promoting digital citizenship by providing access to information and digital services. The event aims to emphasize the importance of these institutions in supporting society, developing national identity, and enhancing cooperation among Arab countries in the field of information and knowledge dissemination. With 54 scientific papers, workshops, and dialogue sessions scheduled over ten sessions, the conference will explore how libraries can strengthen national identity and overcome challenges to establish a digital environment that fosters stronger citizenship.
Libraries and archives are crucial in enhancing cultural identity by collecting, preserving, and sharing knowledge, enabling individuals to enhance their skills and connect with the digital community. In the age of rapid digitization and cultural transformations, these institutions face new challenges but also have abundant opportunities to contribute to society. The conference aims to shed light on the importance of libraries and archives in strengthening national identity and building a digital environment that supports informed and engaged citizenship.
The event, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, SQU, and the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, is a platform for experts and professionals in the field to exchange ideas and best practices. By highlighting the role of libraries in promoting digital citizenship and supporting national identity, the conference seeks to foster collaboration and cooperation among Arab countries to advance the field of information and knowledge management in the region.
With the theme of promoting digital identity and citizenship, the conference signifies the growing importance of libraries and archives in the digital age. By providing access to information and digital services, these institutions empower individuals to engage with the digital community and enhance their skills. The event seeks to explore how libraries can play a significant role in strengthening national identity and fostering a digital environment that supports informed and active citizenship in Arab countries.
In conclusion, the 35th conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information in Muscat is a significant gathering of experts and professionals in the field to discuss the role of libraries and archives in promoting digital identity and citizenship. By highlighting the importance of these institutions in preserving knowledge, enhancing cultural identity, and fostering digital citizenship, the event aims to strengthen cooperation among Arab countries and advance the field of information and knowledge management in the region.
