Final Document Issued by “Libraries in the Emirate of Sharjah” Workshop

Abstract

This document, issued as the final statement of the “Libraries in the Emirate of Sharjah” workshop, presents an institutional framework for developing library work in Sharjah through cooperation among academic, special, school, children’s, private, and public libraries. Its significance lies in the fact that it moves beyond general description toward formal recommendation and coordination, emphasizing the need to establish clear foundations for collaboration among library, cultural, and scientific institutions in the Emirate. In doing so, the document reflects an early awareness of the strategic role of libraries within the broader information age and within a cultural project aimed at fostering a reading-oriented society and expanding access to knowledge resources.

The document sets out a series of practical recommendations, most notably the establishment of a group of libraries in the Emirate of Sharjah to formulate strategies, address professional obstacles, and suggest solutions for improving performance. It also calls for sustained