Proceeding from its commitment to revive the fading away habit of reading, empower intellectual creativity, bolster the cultural and scientific role of women so as to replenish libraries with their contributions, the Central Library Division at Al-Zahraa University for Women participated with a research paper in the Cultural Forum for Women Pioneers at Al-Abbas Holy Shrine. The Fourth Cultural Forum for Women Pioneers was held by Umm al-Baneen Women’s Library, a reading and reception unit under the Department of Intellectual and Cultural Affairs of Al-Abbas Holy Shrine.
The event which took place at Imam Hassan Al-Mujtaba Hall within the Shrine grounds, was attended by religious, academic, and other prominent figures.
Ms. Hanan Farouk Al-Saadi, Head of the Central Library Division at Al-Zahraa University for Women, declared in a statement to the University's official website "A delegation from our esteemed University responded to an invitation to participate in the Fourth Cultural Forum for Women Pioneers, which featured numerous solid literary research papers based on themes proposed by the committees. Our research focused on the challenges of engaging in the activity of reading. It began with the word 'Read' and explored the reasons behind the declined reading habits, along with effective methods to encourage consistent reading through motivation and support.
Ms. Al-Saadi also discussed the 'Library Friends Project' launched by the Al-Abbas Holy Shrine and its implementation at our University, in addition to establishing “virtual library feasibility."
Furthermore, she added, “A call was also made to relevant authorities to prioritize school libraries, in the same manner as the attention given to libraries in academic universities, and to adopt a similar model in kindergartens and all educational stages. This kind of attention is intended to correct certain behaviors and misconceptions caused by modern technology, as well as to upgrade libraries by showcasing books with meaningful content, whether religious, literary, scientific, developmental, etc…"
It is noteworthy that this forum is the second of its kind in which Al-Zahraa University for Women has participated. Ms. Al-Saadi earned recognition for her research, which will be published following the approved guidelines, in addition to a shield from the organizing body in appreciation of her efforts.
The segments of the Forum varied, including literary sessions and participations as well as discussions of research papers, awards, a semi-annual competition, a book fair, and other activities.
Translated by Ekram Ayad and revised by Asst. Lect. Inam Mohamed
