TLDR: Sharjah Libraries has announced ‘Artificial Intelligence in Libraries: Innovation and Impact’ as the central theme for its 26th Library Award. This initiative aims to foster the integration of AI into library services, promoting innovation, enhancing user experience, and addressing ethical considerations within the sector. The award features three main categories, including a research category with specific subfields on AI applications and infrastructure.
Sharjah, UAE – October 22, 2025 – Sharjah Libraries has officially declared ‘Artificial Intelligence in Libraries: Innovation and Impact‘ as the overarching theme for the 26th edition of the prestigious Sharjah Award for Library Literature. This strategic move underscores the emirate’s unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge systems and modernizing library services through the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the Sharjah Award for Library Literature Forum 2025, an event that brought together experts to deliberate on critical topics such as ethics in content creation, the transformative impact of innovation, and digital governance on the evolving role of libraries.
The 26th edition of the award will feature three distinct categories designed to encourage broad participation and innovation:
1. Research Category: This category delves into specific subfields, including ‘AI technologies and core applications,’ which explores how intelligent systems can enhance information discovery, resource organization, and personalized content delivery. Other subfields are ‘user experience and accessibility,’ focusing on digital tools for interactivity and inclusivity, and ‘technical infrastructure and implementation,’ addressing data security, system integration, and user trust in AI-driven services.
2. Best Arab Library or Information Institution Category: This award recognizes organizations that have successfully integrated AI into their operational frameworks.
3. Best Project or Practice in the Field Category: This category highlights innovative projects and practical applications within the library sector.
Discussions at the accompanying forum emphasized the crucial need for library professionals to acquire new skills to navigate the ongoing digital transformation and contribute to the development of knowledge-based societies. Experts highlighted that while AI serves as an invaluable tool for research and knowledge management, it cannot, and should not, replace human oversight.
Panellists, including Dr. Abdulrahman Al Muaini, Dr. Hamda Al Hammadi, and Dr. Ahmed Zidan, stressed the importance of maintaining originality in AI-generated content and the indispensable role of human review in safeguarding quality and credibility. They also cautioned against the risks posed by commercial competition among AI platforms, which could potentially diminish ethical standards and facilitate the dissemination of misinformation. A consensus emerged that AI should be leveraged to combat false information and improve access to trustworthy sources.
In a session titled ‘From Intelligence to Responsibility: Libraries of the Future,’ Dr. Imad Saleh, Randa Al Shadyaq, Tharwat Al Alimi, and Yasser Al Louati explored the profound connection between libraries and artificial intelligence. They underscored the challenge of meeting evolving user expectations in an increasingly tech-driven world, concluding that the true strength of libraries lies in their ability to anticipate needs, balance efficiency with accuracy, and effectively harness AI as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for human expertise.
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This initiative by Sharjah Libraries reinforces its dedication to fostering a forward-thinking library ecosystem that embraces technological advancements while upholding core values of knowledge, ethics, and human-centric service.
