The Sharjah Library Literature Prize honoured researchers and institutions advancing AI-powered services, smart leadership and innovation across the Arab library sector.

SHARJAH: The Sharjah Library Literature Prize has honoured the winners of its 26th edition, recognising research, projects and institutional practices designed to advance libraries and information services across the Arab world.

The awards were presented during the opening of the fifth Sharjah Prize for Library Literature Forum at Sharjah Book Authority headquarters. Organised by Sharjah Public Libraries, the two-day event on September 14 and 15 brings together researchers, academics, library directors and information specialists.

Who won the research awards?

Dr Amani AbdelGhany ElSabbagh took first place in the Research Category for a study examining an AI-based framework designed to personalise the experience of People of Determination through the Baseera model for smart academic libraries.

Abdelhafid Mubarak Barir secured second place for research into an intelligent library assistant using generative AI and Telegram to improve search and discovery services in Sharjah Public Libraries catalogues.

Third place was shared by Dr Wesam Yousef Musleh and Dr Mahmoud Mohamed Abdelsamad for their proposed AI-supported framework for establishing user experience departments in UAE public libraries.

The Sharjah Library Literature Prize also recognised organisations putting innovative ideas into practice.

The National Archives and Library won the Best Arab Library or Information Institution category. The award for Best Project and Practice in the Field went to a project applying LibKey smart tools at UAE University Medical Library to improve access to information resources.

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Why is artificial intelligence a major focus?

This year’s forum places considerable emphasis on how artificial intelligence, data and digital platforms are changing libraries.

The opening programme explored “Smart Leadership in Libraries in the fourth age of libraries”, with discussions examining strategic planning, technology and the changing responsibilities of knowledge institutions.

Eman Bushlaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries, said AI and digital platforms offer libraries an opportunity to strengthen their role by ensuring technology serves people and knowledge.

Speakers also examined practical challenges including limited resources, coordination between departments, rapidly spreading misinformation, deepfakes and the need to train employees to use emerging technologies responsibly.

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What happens on the forum’s second day?

The programme continues on September 15 with discussions under the theme “Smart Libraries: From Community Partnership to Institutional Readiness”.

Malaysia is also participating as the forum’s guest of honour, creating an opportunity to exchange expertise between library professionals in the UAE and Malaysia. Sharjah Public Libraries has also signed an agreement with Malaysia’s Selangor Public Library to support knowledge exchange and joint programmes.

Through its research and professional categories, the Sharjah Library Literature Prize aims to turn academic knowledge into practical solutions that libraries can adapt and develop across the region.

Impact to expect

Innovation. The winning research could encourage more Arab libraries to adopt AI-powered discovery tools, user-focused services and smarter strategic planning while strengthening cooperation between regional and international knowledge institutions.