Conference Program and Presentations
November 7-9, 2017
Sharjah International Library Conference (Expo Centre Sharjah), UAE
(Click on each link to open the presentation in PDF format)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017
Keynote— Libraries Transform - Libraries Lead – Libraries Fight
Jim Neal, 2017-18 ALA President, served as the Vice President for Information Services and University Librarian at Columbia University, 2001-2014, providing leadership for university academic computing and a system of twenty-two libraries. He is a frequent speaker at international conferences, consultant and published author, focusing on scholarly communication, intellectual property, digital library programs, and library cooperation.
Session A (concurrent programs)
I. Empowering Local Innovation in Public and School Libraries: Thinking out of the Box
Like in every business, an innovative culture is crucial in libraries to respond to rapidly changing user needs, behaviors and expectations. Librarians should challenge their thinking process and learn techniques to improve ideas. This presentation will answer two key questions: What is innovation? What is innovative in libraries today? Attendees will be given examples of innovative services and initiatives, and how to develop innovative skills. In addition, the presentation will motivate school and public librarians to implement innovative programs in their libraries through discussion, ideas, and resources.
Presented by Emad Isa Saleh, Professor, Information Science Dept., King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
II. Running Effective Open Educational Resources (OER) Initiatives in Your Academic Library
The skyrocketing cost of college textbooks has driven an international movement toward Open Educational Resources (OER), openly licensed course materials that are free online to students. Academic libraries are uniquely positioned to advance this solution on campus, and many are already leading the way. This presentation will help participants develop and hone skills, strategies, and plans for effective OER initiatives.
Presented by Marilyn Billings, Scholarly Communication & Special Initiatives Librarian, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
III. Designing Community-Based LIS Research Focused on Youth in the MENA Region
Professor Fisher specializes in innovative research approaches engaging the youth of today. Opportunities abound for those in the MENA region LIS faculty, doctoral students, and others interested in creating important research on youth and information. Learn about various research designs, projects and fieldwork that engage youth, particularly through community-based, co-design, participatory approaches that you can model and implement.
Presented by Karen E. Fisher, Professor, Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
Session B (concurrent programs)
I. Project Based Learning in School Libraries
A vibrant library program includes students who are engaged, working cooperatively and thinking creatively. In this session, we’ll share several examples of how our students used project based learning to collaborate and solve challenges.
Presented by Wendy Garland, Avery Elementary School, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA; Todd Burleson, Media Specialist, Hubbard Woods Library, Winnetka, Illinois, USA
II. Empowering and Developing Staff in the Changing (and Challenging) World of Library Work
As public libraries evolve to address larger and more complex issues in society, it is critical that staff be constantly learning, exploring and thinking about how to improve services and meet community needs. This interactive session will provide participants with tools to ensure staff are lifetime learners able to help our organizations anticipate and transform services.
Presented by Rivkah Sass, Library Director, Sacramento Public Library, California, USA
III. Integrating Library Services into the Academic Library Curriculum
The session will examine at how to integrate library services such as information literacy programs, collection development, and e-reserve into curriculum. It will discuss the importance of such integration and how could be achieved and the benefits that faculty, students, and librarians can achieved from this partnership. Using innovative approaches, the librarians at Alfaisal University could work closely with faculty members in integrating library resources in the curriculum thus increasing students’ academic achievements, retention, motivation, and intellectual development.
Presented by Dr. Mustafa Abdelwahid, Director of Library, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Session C (concurrent programs)
I. School Librarians of the Year: Sharing Stories, Lessons, and Keys to Successes
Winners of the first School Librarians of the Year Awards, established in 2016 by the Emirates Literature Foundation, presented on how they have created successful school library programs.
Presented by Sheila Seiler, GEMS World Academy, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Michelle Plant, JESS Arabian Ranches Secondary, Senior Librarian, Dubai, UAE; Shaikha Ali Mohammed Sallaam, Jewereyyah bint Al Harith, UAE
II. Exploring and Expanding Teaching Practices through the ACRL Framework
The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) has created a Framework that envisions information literacy education as a shared responsibility for all educators. It suggests both opportunities and challenges for teaching librarians in expanding pedagogical approaches and partnerships. Learn how the Framework can be used to foster dialogue and collaboration among educators and about incorporating the Framework to create instruction plans for your local context and for growing teaching partnerships.
Presented by Brittney Johnson, Head of Library Instruction, Munday Library, St. Edward's University, Austin, Texas, USA
III. Public Libraries Transform the Arab World
Public libraries throughout the Arab World already are transforming services and staff, creating active, impactful initiatives for their users. Hear what’s new at public libraries in three countries, and how you can provide similar services at your library.
Presented by Ali Abbas Mahmoud, Librarian, Ministry of Culture and Development, UAE; Tahri Wafa, Chief of Service, Public Libraries of Manouba, Tunisia; Doaa Adbullah, Librarian and information services specialist at The Cultural Center, ESCD, Cairo, Egypt
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Plenary Session: Libraries in the MENA Region Moving Forward: What Do We Need to Do?
Presented by Khaled Mohamed Emam Elhalaby is President of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI), the largest professional body representing the interests of library and information services in the Arab World.
Session D (concurrent programs)
I. Library as Studio
Richland Library set out to create spaces and services that would attract and retain a creative class of residents, support artists and entrepreneurs and create greater community cohesion in our neighborhoods. That vision—Library As Studio— has transformed the way we think about our role in the community, making us a vital partner and catalyst for solving community problems and creating opportunities for the community to learn, create and share together. Huggins will discuss the vision and approach that has guided the transformation of the entire library system.
Presented by Melanie Huggins, Executive Director, Richland Library, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
II. Developing a Community of Learners
A student-centered library program reflects the strengths and needs of students and is centered around student voice, choice and connection with the greater community and beyond. See how building a program beyond the walls of the library began, from developing a vision, partnering with the public library and community groups, and incorporating community, national and global initiatives to connect with others.
Presented by Wendy Garland, Avery Elementary School, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA
III. Trends and Changes in Global and Regional Metadata Management
In the evolving age of the internet of things there is an ever-increasing importance of metadata in the library environment. The related processes of creating, managing and using metadata describing the resources has changed dramatically. This presentation will follow the new paths of metadata and how libraries are streamline streamlining their workflows to remain vital contributors to discoverability.
Presented by Eric van Lubeek, Vice President, Managing Director, EMEA & APAC, OCLC, Netherlands
Session E (concurrent programs)
I. Using Technology to Develop and Enhance Fluency through PoetryFluency is the ability to read text quickly and correctly, it is essential in developing reading comprehension. Fluency instruction is enhanced through repeated reading of appropriate text. Poetry is a fantastic tool to develop fluency and a love of language. In this session, we'll highlight several ways that technology can enhance
Presented by Todd Burelson, Media Specialist, Hubbard Woods Library, Winnetka, Illinois, USA
II. Can Online Book Clubs Enhance Reading among Arabs?
Reading plays a pivotal role in human development; it is the foundation of the progress of any nation everywhere. Reading within online book clubs motivates many Arab people to share thoughts and ideas about favorite books and getting ideas for future reading. This presentation will discuss books and readers in the Arab World, Reading Initiatives, the phenomenon of Arab online book clubs and its characteristics, management and services.
Presented by Dr. Amany Elsayed, Professor, Library & Information Dept., Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt, Visiting Professor at Information Science Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
III. Creating a Personal Librarian Program: Engagement, Effectiveness & Efficiency
Miami University Libraries created a Personal Librarian program to supplement its liaison system in support of student success and information literacy advancement. The program was designed to be integrated into the university curriculum and build toward connections with subject librarians. Learn how a Personal Librarian program can be integrated into a first-year university course, how to utilize a project management tool to administer a program and methods for assessment.
Presented by Eric Resnis, Organizational Effectiveness Coordinator, Miami University Library, Oxford, Ohio, USA (ACRL certified presenter)
Closing Session: Refugees + Libraries: Helping Build Better Futures
As a Consultant for the UNHCR Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan Professor Fisher works hands-on with Syrian youth and families to increase educational opportunity, livelihoods and social connectedness. Hear about the innovative efforts going on at the Za’atari Refugee Camp, and join the discussion on how libraries can help refugees and stakeholders across the region.
Presented by Karen E. Fisher, Professor, Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA