Latest news with #IFLA
Qatar Tribune
21-05-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
QNL unveils IFLA regional office annual report 2024
QNA Doha Qatar National Library (QNL) has released the 2024 Annual Report of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Middle East and North Africa (IFLA) Regional Office. The report outlines a landmark year of growth, collaboration and impact in advancing library services, professional development, and knowledge exchange across the MENA region. QNL was officially appointed as host of the IFLA MENA Regional Office during the 2023 IFLA World Library and Information Congress. The official signing ceremony, held in December 2024 at QNL, featured a series of capacity-building workshops, reinforcing the Library's role in advancing regional and global cooperation. The Annual Report highlights numerous other milestones during the Office's inaugural year. These include the launch of the Librarians for Libraries training programme, which attracted 1,259 registrants from 31 countries. The programme featured 16 specialised workshops delivered by expert trainers from countries including Oman, Syria, Egypt, Afghanistan, Palestine, and Qatar. The sessions fostered knowledge exchange and supported professional growth across the region. Another notable achievement is QNL's leadership in updating Qatar's data for the IFLA Library Map of the World, a global initiative that visualizes the presence and impact of libraries worldwide. Since September 2024, QNL has coordinated a national effort involving 400 libraries, achieving a response rate of 80.7 percent with participation from government and private school libraries, academic institutions as well as special and public libraries. The report also highlights the Library's impactful capacity-building initiatives such as the Emerging Librarians Programme, a training hosted at QNL for students from Sultan Qaboos University in Oman. The programme, blending theoretical instruction with practical application, provided participants with exposure to key departments, including Heritage, Digitization, and Conservation, as well as curated cultural site visits. The initiative gained international recognition, with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals inviting QNL to share its experience in an article featured by the institute's ILIG Focus publication. Tan Huism, executive director of QNL, said these initiatives reflect the growing role of libraries in supporting communities in a multitude of ways, whether life-long learning, access to knowledge and creative and cultural events and community building. As host of the IFLA MENA Regional Office, QNL remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting regional cooperation to support knowledge exchange, cultural preservation, and innovation across the region. Eiman AlShamari, acting manager of the national collection at QNL and the manager of the IFLA Middle East and North Africa Regional Office, said: ''This year has demonstrated the potential of coordinated regional efforts in fostering a vibrant community of librarians that share the same values.'' Building on last year's success, QNL plans to expand its training offerings, launch new collaborative initiatives across the MENA region, and establish regular strategic dialogue with the IFLA to align global priorities with regional needs to support the development of library services across the Arab world.
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.
Leaders
17-03-2025
- General
- Leaders
Saudi Master's Student Clinches 2nd Place in IFLA Competition in Mexico
Haifa Abdullah Al Malih, a master's student in Environmental Architecture at King Abdulaziz University, along with her team, achieved second place in the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) competition held in Mexico. The event saw participation from 61 students representing over 15 countries. This year, IFLA's global student program in Mexico centered on the theme 'Natural and Cultural Heritage Landscape in Tepoztlán, Mexico.' The competition serves as a vital platform for environmental architecture students worldwide to exchange knowledge, deepen their understanding of environmental, social, and cultural issues, and address the pressing challenges facing the planet. Related Topics : Chinese Delegation Boosts Academic Ties with King Abdulaziz University King Abdulaziz University Wins 2024 Best Architectural Project in Middle East Ithra: Saudi Film Festival to Feature Screenings, Workshops, Networking Forums SDAIA Launches Health AI Program at King Saud University Medical City Short link :
