Thamar University Organizes a Key Workshop on the Strategy for Modernizing and Developing its University Libraries

□ Thamar University Media / Jamal Al-Bahri / 16 Thu Al-Qadah 1446. May 14, 2025

■ In a move aimed at strengthening the pivotal role of university libraries in supporting academic education, the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance, in cooperation with the Department of Libraries at Thamar University, organized a qualitative workshop this morning entitled "Preparing Strategic Directions for University Libraries."

The workshop was held in the Academic Development Center Hall under the generous patronage of Professor Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Al-Haifi, the Rector of the University, and in the presence of his Vice-Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Professor Dr. Abdulkarim Zabiba, his Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and the Dean of the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance, Professor Dr. Adel Abdulghani Al-Ansi, the General Secretary of the University, Dr. Mohammed Hutram, the General Secretary of the Center, Professor Nasser Najjad, and a number of administrative and academic leaders at the university.

The workshop was attended by a number of college deans, quality experts, heads of departments and units at the university, as well as representatives of public libraries in Dhamar Governorate, representatives of the labor market, and a number of researchers.The workshop began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem.

At the opening, the University Rector, Professor Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Al-Haifi, delivered a speech in which he welcomed the participants and praised the leadership of the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance and the distinguished elite of university staff specialized in quality, development, evaluation and assessment.

In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the workshop as a strategic step toward developing university libraries and transforming them into integrated knowledge centers that support the educational process and scientific research.

This is particularly true following their reorganization and provision with modern paper and electronic academic libraries, as well as subscriptions to several international databases and libraries. He also emphasized the need to fully align library services with digital developments and academic quality requirements.

From his part, the Dean of the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance, Professor Adel Al-Ansi, delivered a speech in which he emphasized that formulating strategic directions for libraries is a key component of achieving academic accreditation and quality assurance.

He praised the Libraries Department's cooperation in organizing this workshop. He also noted that the Center intends to implement a number of similar workshops for a number of the university's administrative and academic departments, centers, and units.

Furthermore, the Head of the Libraries Department, Associate Professor Dr. Essam Wasil, expressed his thanks to the University Rector for his continued support and interest. He also commended the Dean of the Development Center's efforts in preparing and organizing this workshop.

He then gave an analytical presentation on the reality of university libraries, including the most prominent challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of strengthening infrastructure and connecting libraries with modern technologies to meet the needs of students, faculty members, and researchers.

The workshop program included a series of presentations and interactive sessions. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Mujahed provided a comprehensive introduction to strategic planning, highlighting its importance and key components within the context of higher education institutions.

From his part, Dr. Amer Al-Sanabani discussed an analysis of the internal and external environment using the SWOT analysis tool, explaining practical mechanisms that contribute to identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges facing university libraries.

The workshop also featured an active brainstorming session, moderated by Professor Adel Al-Ansi, during which participants' proposals regarding future directions for libraries were gathered. This served as the basis for the general framework for strategic directions and initial action plans.

The working groups presented their outcomes and proposals, followed by open discussions that enriched the topic. The workshop concluded with meaningful recommendations. Dr. Ibrahim Al-Mujahid, Dr. Amer Al-Sanabani, and Dr. Essam Wasil were responsible for evaluating the workshop, and the final recommendations were presented by Dr. Bashir Zendal.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the University Rector delivered a closing speech in which he expressed his pride in the level of discussions and outcomes resulting from the workshop. He praised the efforts of the trainers, participants and the organizing committee, emphasizing that what was achieved reflects the spirit of cooperation and organized institutional work at the university.

In this context, certificates of appreciation were distributed to the trainers, participants and members of the organizing committee in recognition of their active contribution to the success of the workshop and the achievement of its objectives. This gesture was widely welcomed by the attendees and participants.