Latest news with #LibrariesLeadForum
Qatar Tribune
06-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QNL Libraries Lead Forum showcases power of collaboration
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar National Library (QNL) has concluded its annual Libraries Lead Forum 2025, which brought together industry professionals, scholars, and cultural leaders from across the region and beyond. Held in partnership with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) MENA Regional Office, the forum showcased the power of collaboration, innovation and openness in transforming the future of libraries. Themed 'Libraries Thriving Together in an Open Ecosystem', the event placed a strong emphasis on creating resilient and inclusive library communities through global partnerships, emerging technologies and shared knowledge networks. Beginning on May 4 with dedicated pre-forum workshops, the attendees had the opportunity to engage in hands-on sessions focused on strategic collaboration and innovation in open library environments. The forum's second day opened with remarks by Minister of State and President of QNL HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, followed by a speech from Secretary General of IFLA Sharon Memis, and a message from Eiman AlShammeri introducing the work of the IFLA MENA Regional Office. Kelvin Watson, executive director of Las Vegas-Clark County Library District in the US, had been invited as a guest speaker and addressed the conference on the topic, 'Building Libraries, Building Futures: Collaborative Journey Made the Impossible Possible'. Dr Al Kawari said, 'The accelerating challenges facing our world today demand more integrated and collaborative knowledge ecosystems. We believe that investing in knowledge, especially through global partnerships and emerging technologies, is the most effective way to foster sustainable societies and create a more just and inclusive future. 'In this context, we have organised the Libraries Lead Forum as a strategic platform to shape the future of libraries both in our region and globally, reflecting our mission at Qatar National Library. This year, leading experts have come together to combine efforts to advance the library and information landscape around the world.' He added, 'The theme of this year's forum reflects our deep belief that the strength of libraries lies in building bridges of cooperation and expanding the horizons of partnership. To this end, we are committed to adopting innovative strategies to develop an integrated library system capable of meeting the needs of our diverse communities.' Tan Huism, executive director of QNL, said: 'Libraries have long served as guardians of knowledge. Today, however, they are also expected to act as dynamic platforms for intellectual exchange, digital innovation and global partnerships. At Qatar National Library, we recognise this evolving role and are committed to ensuring that our resources, collections and digital platforms contribute to the development of accessible and open knowledge ecosystems. 'No library can thrive in isolation, we are all stronger when we work together. As we advance digital transformation, we must also safeguard the cultural identity and historical legacy of communities for future generations, while championing policies that ensure research and knowledge remain accessible to all.' She added, 'This year's forum, held in partnership with the IFLA Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, reinforces the message that libraries thrive together in an open ecosystem where ideas, expertise, and innovations flow easily, creating an environment of shared resources and knowledge.' Throughout the day, participants engaged with a diverse and forward-thinking agenda, including panel discussions, presentations and poster sessions. There were contributions from local institutions such the University of Doha for Science and Technology, the Museum of Islamic Art, and QNL's own open access team, as well as international participants from Serbia, Tunisia and Palestine, among others. Topics ranged from AI-generated metadata and inclusive library design to digital preservation and culinary heritage archiving. A standout panel discussion, moderated by Dr Waleed Albadi, director of Majlis Oman Library, explored the development of shared digital ecosystems and strategies for advancing open access. The panel emphasised the role of libraries in fostering knowledge equity and highlighted how regional and global collaboration can overcome technological, social and environmental challenges. The forum concluded with closing remarks from Katia Medawar, director of Research and Learning Services at QNL, followed by a special recognition of contributors by QNL Executive Director Tan Huism. Attendees were then invited to explore Qatar National Library through guided tours that highlighted its heritage collections.
Qatar Tribune
04-05-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
QNL welcomes experts at IFLA MENA regional division committee meeting
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar National Library (QNL) welcomed 18 experts from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in a bid to strengthen the role of libraries in preserving cultural heritage, empowering communities and embracing digital transformation across the region. The event held at QNL, which was chosen in August 2023 as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) MENA Regional Office, marked the regional division committee's second in-person meeting since its establishment following an inaugural session in November 2023. The latest milestone reflects IFLA's growing focus on localized collaboration and regional engagement to address global challenges, leveraging regionally driven solutions. The committee brought together representatives from 18 countries for strategic discussions around setting future regional priorities, fostering cross-border collaboration, and advancing key initiatives such as QNL and IFLA's Libraries Lead Forum and the development of sustainable projects. Qatar National Library contributed to the committee's work through the participation of Abeer Al Kuwari, director of National Collection and Special Initiatives, who serves as a mentor within the committee, and Eiman Alshamari, manager of the IFLA MENA Regional Office, who serves as an observer. 'The IFLA meeting underscores our shared vision to position libraries as cultural hubs that empower our communities today and preserve our heritage for future generations,' said Al Kuwari. The latest meeting reflects QNL's commitment to supporting IFLA in its mission to bolster the capacity of libraries across the Arab world and to foster regional collaboration.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
QNL gears up for Libraries Lead Forum 2025
Doha, Qatar: Qatar National Library (QNL) will host the fourth edition of the annual Libraries Lead Forum on 5 May 2025, bringing together thought leaders and industry professionals to explore the critical role libraries play in building resilient, inclusive knowledge communities through open, cross-sector collaboration. This year's edition, themed 'Libraries Thriving Together in an Open Ecosystem,' kicks off with dynamic, hands-on, pre-event workshops designed to foster resource-sharing strategies and partnerships among Arabic libraries. Organized in partnership with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Middle East and North Africa Regional Office, the forum will offer a diverse and rich program. Key topics include developing strategies for interconnected libraries, advancing inclusive community engagement, ensuring sustainable access to knowledge, leveraging technology in library services, and empowering marginalized communities through open initiatives. Pre-event workshops, scheduled for 4 May, will provide a practical platform for participants to explore new approaches to enhancing cooperation. The first workshop, titled Building Collaborative Arabic Library Networks, will focus on how Arabic libraries across the MENA region can strengthen ties through strategic partnerships and shared services. Attendees will examine successful case studies and gain actionable insights for deepening regional collaboration. The second workshop, Thriving Together in Open Library Ecosystems, will look at how libraries worldwide are adopting open ecosystem models to meet diverse and evolving community needs. Both workshops are designed to serve as a springboard for the main forum, which will feature engaging keynote speeches, panel discussions and presentations that highlight strategies for promoting openness, equity and innovation within the library sector. The event will conclude with a guided tour of Qatar National Library, giving participants the chance to explore its state-of-the-art facilities, services and unique heritage collections.
