The Qatar National Library(QNL), marks a major achievement with its formal designation as the IFLA Regional Office for the MENA region, a big step towards library development in the area.
In related events, the announcement was held within a signing ceremony on 15 December, which marked a start to a two-day engagement by library professionals and experts in its series of panel discussions, workshops, and lectures tailored to empower libraries across the MENA region, advance regional cooperation, and explore innovative approaches to global challenges in the field of librarianship.
Tan Huism, Executive Director of Qatar National Library, signed the agreement in the presence of H.E. Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, and Vicky McDonald, IFLA President, along with Sharon Memis, IFLA Secretary General.
In his address on this occasion, H.E. Dr. Hamad Al-Kawari said: “Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in our decade-long collaboration with IFLA through the official inauguration of the IFLA Regional Office at Qatar National Library, an unprecedented achievement in the region”.
“The designation of Qatar National Library as the IFLA Regional Office for the MENA region underscores Qatar's prominent standing in the field of libraries and information on both regional and global levels. It also highlights our country’s role as a strategic partner to leading international institutions in their pursuit of a sustainable future for knowledge and scientific research”, he added.
The partnership positions Qatar National Library as a key regional hub for librarianship, with a focus on facilitating collaboration, innovation and the dissemination of information throughout the MENA region.
'Partnerships and Global Librarianship' was the focus of the inaugural panel discussion, which provided insights into the vital role that collaboration and resource sharing play in advancing library services globally.
Mrs. McDonald said the IFLA’s partnership with Qatar National Library will enable both institutions to deliver on their mission in terms of empowering libraries and the communities they serve across the region.
“My theme as IFLA President is ‘stronger together’, and so I am happy to celebrate the partnership between IFLA and Qatar National Library. It is a great example of how we can combine our strengths to deliver more, not just for libraries and librarians, but also for the communities that we serve”, she noted.
Mrs. Sharon, on the other hand, said the IFLA’s regional centres play a pivotal role in advancing the federation’s objectives.
“The work of regional centres is essential to ensuring that we are not just an international federation but a truly global one, helping library and information workers everywhere benefit from being part of this worldwide field. Qatar National Library is a model for this work in its dedication and innovation, and I look forward to many years of collaboration”, she added.
Since its opening in 2017, Qatar National Library has played a key role in this regard, organizing over 3,000 events that attracted more than 150,000 participants.
Eiman Saleh Al Shamari, Manager of the IFLA MENA Regional Office at Qatar National Library said the Library, as the IFLA representative in the region, is cementing its role as a cultural hub and advancing its objective of promoting cultural dialogue.
“At the IFLA Regional Office, we are committed to supporting libraries in the region to keep pace with the latest global standards and practices in the field, which will, in turn, enhance the quality of services they provide. The office will serve as a platform for training and capacity building, improving the skills of professionals in this sector and strengthening their ability to meet the needs of their communities”, she said.
The second day of the event will feature interactive workshops and lectures offering practical solutions for libraries in the MENA region. Key topics will include enhancing library capacities, fostering partnerships, integrating digital technologies, and addressing regional challenges in the digital age.
Since its nomination as the IFLA Regional Office on the sidelines of the 88th edition of the IFLA General Conference and Assembly last year, QNL has organized numerous workshops and sessions to develop librarianship skills across the region with a focus on leveraging technology to enhance education and learning.
