Ms Athra Al Alawi, Director of the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) Library is participating in the inaugural Medical Library Forum held at Sultan Qaboos University in the Sultanate of Oman. This significant event is organised by the Omani Association for Libraries and Information in collaboration with the Special Libraries Association, Gulf Region Chapter. A distinguished group of experts and specialists in the field of library and information science will come together to discuss strategies aimed at enhancing the role of medical libraries in bolstering scientific research and advancing education.

The forum seeks to create avenues for communication among medical libraries, promote the exchange of ideas, broaden the professional network for librarians, and explore innovative solutions that will shape the future of medical libraries. Participants will undertake a thorough analysis of the current state of medical libraries, examining their infrastructure, available resources and services. They will identify the challenges that hinder medical libraries from providing effective services to researchers, students, and practitioners. 

In addition, the forum will include proposals for innovative strategies to develop and enhance medical library services and evaluations of the effectiveness of modern technologies. Discussions will focus on the impact of advancements such as artificial intelligence and big data on improving medical library services, with the aim of generating recommendations for implementing best practices in the management and operation of medical libraries.

Moreover, Ms. Al Alawi will lead a discussion session titled “The Challenges Facing Medical Librarians in the Middle East in the Digital Age”. Other sessions will address topics including “The Importance of Health Literacy and Bridging the Knowledge Gap in the Arabic Language”, “The Clinical Librarian as a Member of the Medical Team”, “Centralised Management in Medical Libraries: A Balanced Perspective Between Supporters and Opponents”, as well as “The Current Situation and Proposed Strategies for Sustainable Digital Transformation in Libraries” and “The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Libraries”.