Dubai:Mohammed Bin Rashid Library recently hosted Timofey Shchegolkov, Deputy Director General for Operations, Construction and Security at the Russian State Library, to explore avenues for cultural cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the preservation of rare collections.
According to Wam, the discussions, attended by Dr Mohammed Salem AlMazrooei, Board Member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, and Ali Juma Al Tamimi, Director of the Libraries Department, centered on strengthening collaboration in library management, manuscript restoration, and heritage preservation. Both parties also considered the use of advanced technologies for safeguarding historical collections, as well as opportunities in translation, publishing, and literary exchanges, emphasizing the cultural connections between the UAE and Russia.
Shchegolkov shared information about the Russian State Library's digitisation initiative, which has made over six million books and manuscripts available through collaboration with Russian federal libraries over the past five years. The discussion also touched on the growing role of artificial intelligence in culture and creative industries, highlighting its potential to aid knowledge preservation while maintaining the authenticity of human creativity.
During his visit, Shchegolkov toured the Library's specialized collections and digital facilities, learning about its advanced book management and retrieval systems. He also visited the Treasures of the Library Exhibition, which includes over 300 rare manuscripts, historical books, maps, and atlases, featuring rare editions by celebrated Russian authors.
Shchegolkov expressed admiration for the Library's modern infrastructure, innovative services, and dedication to cultural heritage preservation, indicating potential for further collaboration between the two institutions. The visit concluded with an exchange of publications; Shchegolkov presented "Facets of a Great Dream The Architecture of the Russian State Library," while Dr AlMazrooei gifted "Treasures of Mohammed Bin Rashid Library," highlighting the Library's rare collections and cultural heritage.