Doha: The Ministry of Culture's Libraries Department organized a forum on Wednesday for library and information centers specialists, titled "Emerging Technologies and Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Libraries." The event gathered library specialists from various sectors across the nation. According to Qatar News Agency, Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture, stated that the forum aimed to enhance communication and foster bonds among information and library specialists in Qatar. He emphasized the ministry's commitment to providing excellent occupational support in libraries and information centers to boost cultural awareness and share practical applications in this field. Al Buainain highlighted that libraries are undergoing significant changes due to rapid technological advancements, particularly the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He noted that AI offers innovative solutions, expanding libraries' capabilities to provide professional ser vices. He also pointed out the challenges libraries face in the technologically advanced era, stressing the importance of using big data to meet the diverse needs of users and integrating AI technologies to streamline the classification of books and digital resources. The forum also explored library management concepts and the role of AI in enhancing library activities, efficiency, and performance. It emphasized setting knowledge-based strategies and sharing successful experiences. A seminar titled "Emerging technologies in libraries," moderated by Abdulkarim Al Humaydi and featuring Dr. Saif Al Jabri from Oman and Dr. Khaled Al Halabi from Egypt, delved into technological advancements, virtual reality applications, digital marketing in libraries, and cybersecurity. Speakers discussed the impact of technological advancements on libraries, focusing on service optimization and user experience enhancement. They addressed the shift from traditional to digital libraries and the available online resources. Key ta keaways included the impact of AI on libraries, challenges and opportunities in implementing changes, benefits of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies, digital marketing, and cybersecurity. The seminar concluded with participants stressing the importance of prioritizing library cybersecurity. They advocated for precautionary measures to protect information and users, recruiting cybersecurity experts, and maintaining guidance content to raise awareness about internet safety and digital identity protection.