Arabian Gulf chapter members join for a successful meeting.

The Annual Special Librarians Association/Arabian Gulf Chapter Workshop and Conference was held in Manama, the capital of the State of Bahrain on 22-27 November 1998. The event was an unqualified success. The workshop and conference had a regional flavor with good attendance from all of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for both events. Attendees praised the organizing committee of the workshop and conference for smooth execution and innovation. The accompanying conference exhibit attracted a large crowd of information professionals and librarians from the Gulf region.

The pre-conference workshop was held at the Arabian Gulf University on 22-24 November 1998. The main theme of the workshop was "Use of Electronic Utilities for Knowledge Organization." The workshop concentrated on the latest advances in information technology for use in organizing, cataloging, and indexing to improve library management. The use of CD-ROM based tools as replacement of the printed page was emphasized as well as the use of the Internet. Thirty-five information and library professionals attended the workshop.

The Diplomat Hotel in the middle of Manama Commercial Center was the venue of the main conference that took place between 25-27 November. The theme of the conference was "Achieving Excellence in Information Organization Delivery Strategies for the 21st Century." This year's conference concentrated on the challenges facing the information professional and librarian in the era of electronic information that requires they be well-prepared, up to date, and well-informed in the field of information gathering and dissemination. The conference focused on the skills needed to carry libraries into the twenty-first century.

A panel of international speakers specializing in information and library science delivered a number of papers. The conference was attended by 220 information professionals, librarians, and exhibitors from the Arabian Gulf Region and Europe. The SLA-AGC Annual Banquet was held at the Arabian Gulf University honoring individuals who have contributed to the success of the SLA-AGC. The SLA-AGC Business Meeting and Elections concluded the conference on Friday 27 November. The central attraction of the conference this year was the SLA-AGC Booth (see photo). The booth became the focus point for attendees to meet, register for membership, and purchase the SLA books that were displayed. The Membership/PR Chair, Kawther Dashti, who also supervised and staffed the booth, used it to update members' information. Book sales at the booth surpassed all expectations. The concept for the booth was appreciated so much that it was recommended by the board and other members to make a permanent feature in all future Annual Conferences.

The accompanying exhibition was also a good chance for companies to display their latest products and innovations in the field of information and library science - from CD-ROM's to library systems to subscription agencies to library security systems. Attendees had their chance to get acquainted with latest products in their field.

Overall, this SLA-AGC Conference will be a milestone for many years to come. The preparation, the effort, and the organization paid their dividends in making it a big attraction.

Dashti is membership/public relations chair for the Arabian Gulf Chapter. She may be reached at [e-mail].