The American Library Association (ALA) and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) are partnering with the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) for this two-day conference for school librarians. The partners have a shared mission to elevate the skills of the school librarian and the impact of the school library to success of students in collaboration with their school community.

The 2nd Sharjah Conference for School Librarians brings together expert librarians and library school professors from the United States to join outstanding school librarians from the United Arab Emirates. American Association of School Libraries President Amanda Kordeliski will keynote the conference.

All school librarians from the UAE are welcome to participate!

The conference will provide school librarians with:

New knowledge, skills, ideas, and best practices on programming and engagement to advance their role and impact in their school community to create a fully integrated learning community where students succeed, becoming life-long readers and critical thinkers. Participants will be able to share their own best practices and success stories with others.

The conference will include presentations, best practices, activities, and small group discussions for K-12 students. Topics will include:

• School Librarians as Innovative Learning Architects
• School Librarians and Community Engagement
• Makerspaces and Innovation Labs
• Digital Hubs and Digital/Tech Navigators
• Teaching Digital Citizenship and Awareness
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools and AI Literacy
• Fostering Social and Emotional Learning

The Conference will also introduce participants to the AASL National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries which provide a comprehensive educational approach to an effective school library with appropriate resources and school librarians who engage students learning in a global environment.

• Certificates will be provided to attendees at the end of the conference.