Qatar National Library (QNL) recently hosted students from Sultan Qaboos University in Oman for a comprehensive five-day training programme titled ‘Emerging Librarians.’ This initiative is part of QNL’s continuous efforts to empower information specialists in the region, especially since being designated as the inaugural MENA Regional Office for the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) last year.
The training programme included introductory sessions to familiarize students with the Library’s various departments, such as the Heritage Library, Digitization Center, Children’s Library, and the Preservation and Conservation Center. Students learned about conservation techniques and processes used by the Library since 2015 as IFLA’s Regional Preservation and Conservation Center.
Eiman Saleh Alshamari, Head of Young Adults’ Library and Manager of the IFLA Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, emphasized the importance of equipping the next generation of librarians with the necessary knowledge and skills to embark on their careers. The training program reflects QNL’s commitment to preserving and disseminating the region’s cultural heritage.
The program also included field visits to cultural institutions in Qatar, such as the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar University, and the Doha Institute Library. Students toured the Amiri Diwan-affiliated National Archives of Qatar in Msheireb, dedicated to collecting and preserving documents and archives related to Qatar.
Professor Khaleesa Al-Barashdi, Training Supervisor at the Department of Information Studies at Sultan Qaboos University, praised QNL’s efforts and the expertise of its team. She highlighted the effectiveness of the program, which combined theoretical instruction with practical application and field visits, enhancing students’ learning experience.
Students expressed their appreciation for the well-designed program, with Omniyat Ahmed Alkhusaibi noting the training’s perfect timing as they approach graduation. Gaith Zahir Said Alharthi emphasized the significance of QNL’s various programs, particularly ‘Qatar Reads,’ expressing hope for a similar initiative in Oman called ‘Oman Reads.’
Emad Nasser Alshukili praised the training for providing insights into innovative technologies, such as self-return book systems. The training program concluded with a meeting with the Library’s User Services Team and a ceremony where students received certificates of appreciation. Overall, the students found the training enriching and educational, with practical relevance to their future careers in the field of library science.
