We are hugely excited to welcome the American University of Sharjah (AUS) Library as a new Member of FORM, and our first library member.
The university library is the heart of an institution’s research processes and practises, providing the policies, the infrastructure, and the support needed to produce and publish high impact research. Therefore, libraries have the power to be the single greatest driver of open research. They are not only the main gateway to – and vehicle for – open education resources, but also often lead the way in the development and implementation of open science policies and practises at universities.
Engaging with libraries across the Arab States must therefore be a cornerstone of any plan to transition towards open and equitable research practises, and libraries; and we see libraries as our key partners in the journey to making the region’s educational practices and resources more inclusive, equitable, and open to all. This makes the AUS Library’s membership of FORM all the more exciting, and we look forward to collaborating with them over the coming years – starting with this year’s Annual Forum, which will be hosted at AUS from 20th-23rd of October 2025, on the topic: Becoming Open: Capacity Building and Community Collaboration in the Arab World. (For more details of the event, visit our website, the Call for Papers is now open, and will close on June 1st 2025).
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.
“The AUS Library is committed to supporting the advancement of Open Research in MENA. We are delighted to work with FORM and their partners towards more sustainable and inclusive educational models that serve the needs of our local research communities.” – Kara Jones, University Librarian (AUS)
“FORM has been growing for some time now, with a network of over 5,000 open science advocates and enthusiasts across the Arab States and wider globe – and we are proud of our progress. However, while our network has rapidly expanded, our membership (being institutional) has remained comparatively small, and although faculty and staff at the region’s universities and libraries in the region are hugely supportive of our vision and mission, the institutions themselves were initially less engaged. That is why we are so honoured to have the AUS Library join us as our first library Member.” – Dr Emily Choynowski, Director (FORM)
