SPL Hosts Sharjah Library Literature Forum on Smart Leadership
Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) to Host Literature Prize Forum
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) | September 04, 2026
Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) will gather researchers, specialists, and Arab information institutions for the 26th edition of the Sharjah Library Literature Prize on September 14-15. This event is part of the fifth Sharjah Library Literature Forum.
The forum will delve into the transformations reshaping the library sector and the leadership models needed in the age of Library 4.0. It will explore:
- Anticipating change
- Utilizing data and emerging technologies
- Building agile, innovative institutions responsive to community needs
Held at Sharjah Book Authority's headquarters, the forum aims to demonstrate how libraries can harness data and modern technologies, guided by a clear leadership vision, for stronger knowledge and community functions.
Forum Agenda:
- Panel Discussions: Strategic planning, community trust, sustainable partnerships, and institutional readiness/crisis management.
- Prize Presentations: Winners in three categories will share their research, experiences, and practices.
- Smart Leadership in Library 4.0: Examining leadership in planning, community relationships, institutional readiness, and change response.
Prize Categories:
- Research Category (AED45,000 total): AED20,000 for first place.
- Best Arab Library/Information Institution
- Best Project and Practice in the Field
Eman Bushlaibi, SPL Director, emphasized the importance of smart leadership in libraries' future success:
"The future of libraries depends on knowing their direction and leveraging knowledge, data, and technologies to achieve it. Meaningful transformation starts with leaders who can interpret change, make informed decisions, empower teams, and turn capabilities into tangible value for readers and communities."