Qatar National Library

Qatar National Library (QNL) opened to the public on 6 November 2017 at Education City, and is a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF).

Everyone with a resident permit can become a member, which will entitle them to access more than one million books, periodicals, and special collections, as well as the QNL Heritage Library.

The project was initially announced in November 2012 by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of QF. Its purpose is to collect, preserve and make available the country’s recorded history, and is a steward of Qatar's national heritage. All residents are able to access the available resources, with support offered to students, researchers and the general public.

Designed by renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the 45,000 sq m state-of-the-art building is fully accessible to visitors with special needs. It features numerous custom-designed innovations, including an automatic book sorting system, several interactive media walls, and self-checkin and check-out machines that make borrowing books easier for members.

Included in QNL’s facilities are a variety of collaborative and individual learning spaces, a Children’s Library, Teenagers Library, public computer workstations, performance, a café, an adaptive technology centre, multimedia rooms, tutoring centres, writing centre, and Innovation Stations offering a wide variety of creative tools, such as 3D printers and musical instruments. There is an assistive technology area with equipment and specialised software applications to enhance the experience of users with special needs.

For relaxation, there is a restaurant, a café, and designated areas to enhance the visitor experience. There are a number of events that take place already – such as training, workshops and tech talks – however a full range of exhibitions and services will be launched at the official inauguration ceremony in 2018 (at the time of going to press the date was not known).

In addition to full-text databases, they are aiming for 1.2 million books, 500,000 ebooks, periodicals and newspapers, and special collections. Visitors can explore the progression of knowledge from the past to the present – however, there will be a balance between content accessibility and content preservation.

To ensure this latter point, content will be displayed in secured, humidity-controlled cases. The Conservation Laboratory will conserve and restore the collection for future generations, while the Digitization Laboratory will work as the National Digitization Center and use state-ofthe-art technology for digital preservation of the collection.

Showcasing the importance given to technology and user convenience, visitors will be able to use the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) book sorter system when using self-check in/out stations to provide a faster and more convenient use of the library collection. Registered members can borrow materials, renew the items online, hold or reserve items, and even return the items through the 24-Hour drive-through Book Drop station in front of the main library entrance!

For further comfort and ease, the People Mover can easily transport library users in the tiers area. Computer systems, tablets, interactive screens, and audio visual equipment are well-distributed in different areas of the building to fit different users’ needs and improve their experience. There are a variety of reading and study spaces, which can be reserved in advance online.

The Qatar Digital Library (QDL) is an advanced online portal that provides free public access to an extensive collection of precious historic archives and manuscripts in both English and Arabic. It is a 10 year partnership between QF, QNL and the British Library, and aims to improve understanding of the Islamic world, Arabic cultural heritage and the modern history of the Gulf. Work began in 2012, with the digitisation of content from the British Library’s collections, and to date, over 250,000 images have been created including 1,000 archival files from the India Office Records and 90 Arabic Scientific manuscripts.

Visitors can access online all manner of material, from maps to books, images, manuscripts and newspapers. There is also content from the Museum of Islamic Art and the Ottoman Archive. Alongside the archive are a number of articles written by experts within the partnership, covering such topics as The India Office Records, The British Empire in the Gulf, and traditional music in Qatar.

Founded in the early 1980s as part of HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani’s vision to create, and make accessible, a landmark repository of Qatar and regional history in the heart of Doha, the Heritage Collection is a unique contribution to Qatar’s cultural landscape.

Transferred to the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage in 2000, and acquired by QF in 2006, the Heritage Collection was integrated with QNL in 2012. Located in the middle of the QNL building are rare and valuable texts and manuscripts related to Arabic and Islamic civilisation, as well as historical maps and globes, scientific instruments, early photography, and writings by travellers who explored the Arabian Gulf region over the centuries.

Some of the printed materials dates from the 15th century when the printing process had been introduced to Europe, and are therefore rare and valuable parts of the collection. The Preservation and Conservation Center oversees monitoring and analysis, and provides treatment where necessary.

The conservation laboratory is also the IFLA/ PAC Regional Center for the Arab Countries and the Middle East – the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Strategic Programme on Preservation and Conservation (PAC) was created in 1984 to concentrate on issues of preservation and worldwide cooperation for the preservation of library materials.

A dedicated children’s section holds more than 100,000 books in Arabic, English, and a selection of other languages – available are picture books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, ebooks, and emagazines. Early literacy programmes and workshops enable children to develop reading skills from an early age. There are also educational toys, arts and crafts materials, innovative learning software, and a team of dedicated librarians.

The Teen Library is aimed at visitors aged 13 to 18, and has more than 30,000 books, magazines, computer labs, graphic novels, interactive learning tools, and a special events space. Those studying for exams can make use of the school curriculum and college textbooks.

QNL provides registered users free access to a vast number of online resources, which include ebooks, academic papers, music, videos, children's materials, and more. The Qatar Research Portal, a collaboration between QNL and Qatar National Research Fund, provides access to the outcomes of QNRF-funded research to both the public and members of the research community.

Can't find what you're looking for in the QNL catalogue or through online resources? First stop is Ask QNL Librarian, for study or general reference questions and further assistance. Registered members can also use the Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery Service: request articles from journals, book chapters/sections, conference proceedings, and reports. m

The Library is at your fingertips with your favourite ebooks and audiobooks, anywhere you go via the Qatar National Library app available on iOS and Android Library opening times: Saturday – Thursday 8 am – 8 pm, Friday 4 pm – 8 pm The Children's Library closes at 6:30 pm

To become a QNL member, complete the online registration form For more information, call 4454 0100 or visit qnl.qa

Students can register for Qatar Has Talent through their schools or on the EAA website between August 1 and October 12, 2023: donate.educationaboveall.org

For enquiries, email mkerwat@eaa.org.qa or WhatsApp 5000 7682

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