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Library Excellence Awards (LEA) Founder and President Dr. Mahmoud Mansi delivers a keynote address and presents the organization’s first published book on the evolving relationship between human librarians and AI.

CAIRO, Egypt, January 28, 2026 — Library Excellence Awards (LEA) proudly participated in the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, joining distinguished cultural and educational institutions at the U.S. Embassy Cairo booth. The participation marked another milestone in LEA’s mission to promote innovation, leadership, community awareness, and excellence across the global library profession.

Representing LEA, Dr. Mahmoud Mansi, Founder & President of Library Excellence Awards and an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Alumnus, delivered a keynote presentation entitled “Beyond Reading and Writing: Towards Achieving Personal and Professional Excellence.”

The presentation explored the evolving role of libraries in today’s rapidly changing world, emphasizing that modern libraries have become catalysts for lifelong learning, leadership development, digital transformation, and community impact. Dr. Mansi highlighted how reading and writing complement one another as a continuous cycle of learning, reflection, and knowledge creation. Through an interactive session, participants explored how reading can serve as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, while writing enables individuals to develop, articulate, and share new ideas and insights. Together, these complementary practices strengthen critical thinking, lifelong learning, and the development of a meaningful personal brand.

Introducing LEA’s First Published Book

The event also provided an opportunity to introduce and discuss LEA’s inaugural publication, Human Librarian vs. Robot Librarian: A Philosophical Debate.

The book explores one of the most significant questions facing the library and information profession today: What will be the role of human librarians in an era increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence?

Rather than portraying AI as a replacement for library professionals, the book presents a balanced philosophical dialogue that examines how human expertise, ethics, empathy, and creativity can work alongside intelligent technologies to redefine the future of librarianship. It encourages readers to envision a collaborative future in which AI enhances library services while human librarians continue to provide the leadership, judgment, emotional intelligence, and community engagement that technology alone cannot replicate.

Advancing the Global Library Excellence Movement

LEA’s participation in one of the largest and most influential book fairs in the Arab world and Africa reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to advancing excellence across the international library sector through recognition, thought leadership, publishing, research, and professional engagement.

By participating in major cultural and educational events, Library Excellence Awards continues to foster meaningful dialogue about the future of libraries while connecting librarians, educators, researchers, publishers, policymakers, and technology innovators from around the world.

As Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape education and global knowledge ecosystems, LEA remains dedicated to championing libraries as essential institutions that empower individuals, strengthen communities, inspire innovation, and contribute to sustainable global development.

About Library Excellence Awards (LEA)

Library Excellence Awards (LEA) is an international initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating excellence, innovation, leadership, and impact across the global library and knowledge sectors. Through its awards programs, publications, research, thought leadership, and international collaborations, LEA seeks to elevate the role of libraries as transformative institutions that empower people, advance knowledge, and shape the future of society.