Qatar National Library (QNL) participates in the 80th IFLA World Library and Information congress in France

Qatar National Library (QNL), member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), continued to raise its global profile during the IFLA World Library and Information Congress held in the French city of Lyon.

The week-long  ‘Citizens, libraries and communities: Knowledge Forum’ gathered librarians, publishers and database firms from all over the world, with the aim to enhance mutual cooperation, and promote international best practices in the libraries sector.

The event, which ended on 22^nd August, presented QNL with another opportunity to keep abreast of the latest advancements and practices in the library world and share its own experience.

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. With more than 1,600 members in approximately 150 countries, it is the global voice of the library and information profession.

The Congress included a number of sessions that focused on key areas relevant to QNL’s increasingly popular services. These included Acquisition and Collection Development, Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities, Cataloguing, Rare Books and Manuscripts, Document Delivery and Resource Sharing, Government Information and Official Publications, and Libraries for Children and Young Adults, in addition to many other specialised themes.  

QNL’s participation benefited by a group of Qatari staff members attending the event to gain knowledge and a better insight into the profession.

Furthermore, the library’s Project Director, Dr Claudia Lux, whose considerable library experience includes a term as elected president of IFLA, presented a talk on how to make a difference using statistics in a session entitled: "Telling the Library Story: creating metrics for management, advocacy and community building".

Commenting on the value to the library’s participation, Dr Lux said: “Contributing to local, regional and international events such as this Congress helps to promote QNL’s profile, and share lessons of how the library is delivering innovative new services.”

“The IFLA World Library and Information Congress is a cornerstone to QNL staff’s networking and professional development bringing benefits in Qatar, and demonstrating our commitment to promote the continuing education of library personnel from all over the world,” she added.   

Qatar National Library is currently offering free online access to a vast collection of online resources including the latest bestsellers, classical works, concerts, top academic journals and documentaries. Anyone who lives in Qatar and has a valid Qatari ID/Residence Permit is eligible for free library registration. To register, please visit www.qnl.qa and to access the complete list of online resources, please visit http://www.qnl.qa/find-answers/online-resources.