Qatar National Library Introduces New Online Databases

25 September 2016
Qatar National Library (QNL), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), has recently introduced new online databases that enrich its vast online resources and offer the nation access to high-quality reference material on an unprecedented level.

One of the new databases comes from the ‘Royal Society of Chemistry’, which provides access to journals in multidisciplinary fields including biology, biophysics, energy and environment, engineering, materials, medicine and physics, in addition to its core subject of chemical science.

Elsewhere the ‘Emerald Insight eJournal Collection’ includes journals and books on a range of subject areas including accounting and finance, economics, management, marketing, education, information studies, engineering, sociology, and tourism and hospitality.

Another resource that many users will find invaluable is ‘OECD iLibrary’, the online library of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In this offering, the OECD presents eBooks, chapters, articles and papers, as well as data and statistics going back to the 1960s covering over 80 countries. Its information will be useful for a wide range of users including staff and students at universities, researchers and business people.

Of course, it goes without saying that QNL not only provides access to English language material but also leading Arabic resources. ‘Al Manhal’ is a database that offers QNL users the chance to access electronic content, and full-text searchable electronic databases of peer-reviewed and copyright protected Arabic publications. This provides readers with the opportunity to navigate and access thousands of electronic publications from the Arab world's leading universities, research centers and scientific societies.

Another leading resource is 'E-Marefa' which is an Arabic language database presenting over 1,000 scholarly journals from the MENA region. Subjects covered include human sciences (literature, history, education, arts, and languages) and social sciences (politics, sociology, and law) as well as medical and health, business and economics, engineering, IT, and the natural and life sciences.

In addition to its electronic resources, Qatar National Library is planning to provide 350,000 copies of periodicals, newspapers and many special collections when doors open to its state-of the-art new building, and up to 1.2 million printed books.

Furthermore, space for individual and collective learning, a children's section, 300 computers for the use of the public, facilities for the production of digital multimedia, and a cafe will all be offered within the library’s building. There will also be a centre for assistive technology, and a centre for writing and education.

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.