More than 50 UAE librarians to attend 2nd National Library meet-up event

Organised under the guidance of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority(TCA Abu Dhabi)and Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the informative 'meet-up' will give the librarians a detailed brief on what to expect at 23rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair taking place this April.

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which will run at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), from April 24-29, is a popular event for local librarians from schools, colleges, universities and technical institutions to buy books for their institutions. The meet-up gives them pre-event information, advice and guidance about the types of books and genres on display so the librarians can plan ahead.

Topics to be presented by the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair team at the meet-up include: the titles available at the fair, insights into the Arab and international publishers which will be present, how to connect the librarians to the source of books, how to make their visit smooth, pleasant and productive and a breakdown of the special events and sessions which will be part of the fair programme.

"There has been an immense positive response from the librarians who attended the session last year and the meet-up is an opportunity to network with the UAE's experienced librarian community and get their input and suggestions," said HE Jumaa Abdullal Al Qubaisi, Executive Director National Library and Director Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

"Libraries unquestionably play a pivotal role in our personal evolution and in inculcating a passion for reading in our younger generations. In a knowledge-based community such as ours, learning and development are critical in ensuring that the minds of our young readers are stimulated. The positive meet-up response from the librarians is indicative of their eagerness to gain maximum benefit from the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and the events and resources it offers."

Vanessa Middleton, Head Librarian at Petroleum Institute and Founder of the Region's Informal Network of Professional Librarians congratulated Abu Dhabi International Book Fair on the meet-up initiative.

"It is clear the organisers view librarians as critical stakeholders in the publishing industry. Events such as the meet-up are an excellent opportunity for regional librarians to share feedback to enhance their Abu Dhabi International Book Fair experience and learn more about planned activities. Librarians benefit from professional talks, author lectures, and learn more about publishing trends, all of which help inform their decisions about developing their collections and marketing these resources to their community of learners," said Vanessa.