DOHA: Qatar National Library (QNL) recently showcased Qatar’s array of state-of-the-art information services at the 81st IFLA World Library and Information Congress in South Africa.
Hosted at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the congress is a flagship professional and trade event for the library and information services sector.
It is organised by International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), which represents the global voice of the library and information profession.
The library was also recognised as Regional Arabic Speaking Preservation and Conservation Centre (PAC) at the congress.
The QNL-PAC centre will utilise state-of-the-art technologies at its laboratories to preserve precious heritage and culture archive materials available in Qatar and the wider region.
QNL will represent 25 Arabic speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Through its participation in the international event, QNL supports Qatar Foundation’s commitment to protect and preserve Qatar and the region’s heritage and culture and make them accessible for future generations.
“The congress provides our team with opportunity to network with thousands of experts from the global information services industry.
“Our team exchanged ideas with experts from other countries and took part in professional development sessions,” said Dr Claudia Lux, Project Director, QNL. “QNL showcased the recent progress of Qatar’s libraries and information services sector to a global audience. Our booth welcomed hundreds of visitors who learnt about developments in Qatar’s information services, including the launch of Qatar Digital Library (QDL), the promotion of the concept of Open Access in Qatar through QNL’s online databases, QNL’s services and initiatives, and plans.”
QDL, one of QNL’s landmark projects, is an online platform providing access to thousands of historical documents about the Gulf and the wider region.
It provides rare insights into centuries of Arab history and culture, and contributions made by Islamic scholars to science, medicine, mathematics and geometry.
Engineer Saadi Al Said, Associate Director, Administration and Planning, QNL, said: “Our presentation on QDL was welcomed by participants and visitors at the exhibition. QDL is at the forefront of Qatar and the region’s digital revolution.
QNL is collaborating with other stakeholders in Qatar and the region to preserve rare historical materials about the wider region. QNL’s selection as the regional PAC centre will enable the library to reach out the wider region and assist in preserving historical resources in libraries.”
Abeer Al Kuwari, In-Charge, Branches Affairs, QNL, said: “IFLA is one of the world’s leading specialised libraries and information service conferences where I had the opportunity to meet practitioners from across the globe and hear their experiences.
“I attended workshops and discussions, gaining insights in latest developments and findings related to libraries and information services sector. These insights will help us further develop libraries in Qatar in the coming future.”
Samia Hassan Al Shiba, Senior Project Coordinator, who made a presentation on QDL, said: “This is my second time attending the congress. Through a poster presentation, I offered participants an introduction to QDL and its content.
“My attendance at the congress was a success, not only was I able to enhance my professional development, but also expand my network of contacts with experts from around the world.”
QNL offers free online access to a vast collection of resources, including latest bestsellers, classical works, top academic journals and documentaries. Anyone who lives in Qatar and has a valid Qatari ID/residence permit is eligible for free registration.
The Peninsula
