Program candidates to represent MENA regional library sector
Two Qatar National Library (QNL) staff members, Abeer Al Kuwari, in charge of QNL Branches Affairs and Amal Al Shammari, QNL’s Information Services Librarian in the children section were selected to participate in the International Network of Emerging Library Innovators- Middle East & North Africa (INELI-MENA) two-year program.
The selection was announced during the annual Arab Federation for Libraries & Information (AFLI) conference recently held in Amman, Jordan. AFLI is the Arabic counterpart of the Global Libraries initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that works to support the transformation of libraries as engines of development.
The competitive two-year program is designed to support leaders of the future who can effectively represent the public library sector throughout the region. The main objective is to improve professional and leadership skills of selected candidates contributing to the level of services in public libraries throughout the region while promoting cooperation amongst them.
QNL, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), collects and provides free access to invaluable learning resources relevant to Qatar and the wider region by preserving precious historical material. Unique to the region, the library encompasses three functions: National Library, University and Research Library and a Metropolitan Library of the digital age.
“QNL is delighted with the selection of two valuable staff members to represent the regional library sector. Focusing on enhancing leadership, innovation and creativity skills, the program supports our commitment to developing the potential of our staff and the wider community we serve,” said Engineer Saadi Al-Said, QNL`s Director of Administration and Planning.
The INELI-MENA program training modules will cover a range of key topics beneficial to the improvement of regional public libraries including effective teambuilding, risk management and library advocacy.
Al Kuwari said, “The new definition of a public library is synonymous with embracing society along with all of its categories and departments. Public libraries are information centres that enhance the development of societies, improve quality of life and encourage knowledgeable, cultured societies.
“I am thrilled and honoured that I have been chosen to participate in Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s INELI-MENA, which is one of the world’s leading programs in developing public libraries worldwide. I am certain that the program will contribute to my personal and professional growth providing me with new skills and knowledge that will strengthen my career and better serve the public libraries sector in Qatar,” she added.
Al Shammari said, “Public libraries are the foundation of prosperous societies along with children who are an integral part of a society’s progression. Focusing and developing a child’s development is the first building block for the development of human, economic, social, and environmental progress”.
“I will do my best to gain knowledge and benefit from the INELI-MENA program by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to be able to enhance the role of Qatar’s public libraries and thus contributing to QNV 2030,” she commented.
In addition to the recent appointment of QNL staff members representing the region, QNL was also recently selected by the International Federation of Library Association and Institutions (IFLA) as the Regional Arabic Speaking Preservation and Conservation Centre (PAC). As part of this appointment, QNL will represent 25 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where Arabic is one of the official languages.
Two Qatar National Library (QNL) staff members, Abeer Al Kuwari, in charge of QNL Branches Affairs and Amal Al Shammari, QNL’s Information Services Librarian in the children section were selected to participate in the International Network of Emerging Library Innovators- Middle East & North Africa (INELI-MENA) two-year program.
The selection was announced during the annual Arab Federation for Libraries & Information (AFLI) conference recently held in Amman, Jordan. AFLI is the Arabic counterpart of the Global Libraries initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that works to support the transformation of libraries as engines of development.
The competitive two-year program is designed to support leaders of the future who can effectively represent the public library sector throughout the region. The main objective is to improve professional and leadership skills of selected candidates contributing to the level of services in public libraries throughout the region while promoting cooperation amongst them.
QNL, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), collects and provides free access to invaluable learning resources relevant to Qatar and the wider region by preserving precious historical material. Unique to the region, the library encompasses three functions: National Library, University and Research Library and a Metropolitan Library of the digital age.
“QNL is delighted with the selection of two valuable staff members to represent the regional library sector. Focusing on enhancing leadership, innovation and creativity skills, the program supports our commitment to developing the potential of our staff and the wider community we serve,” said Engineer Saadi Al-Said, QNL`s Director of Administration and Planning.
The INELI-MENA program training modules will cover a range of key topics beneficial to the improvement of regional public libraries including effective teambuilding, risk management and library advocacy.
Al Kuwari said, “The new definition of a public library is synonymous with embracing society along with all of its categories and departments. Public libraries are information centres that enhance the development of societies, improve quality of life and encourage knowledgeable, cultured societies.
“I am thrilled and honoured that I have been chosen to participate in Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s INELI-MENA, which is one of the world’s leading programs in developing public libraries worldwide. I am certain that the program will contribute to my personal and professional growth providing me with new skills and knowledge that will strengthen my career and better serve the public libraries sector in Qatar,” she added.
Al Shammari said, “Public libraries are the foundation of prosperous societies along with children who are an integral part of a society’s progression. Focusing and developing a child’s development is the first building block for the development of human, economic, social, and environmental progress”.
“I will do my best to gain knowledge and benefit from the INELI-MENA program by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to be able to enhance the role of Qatar’s public libraries and thus contributing to QNV 2030,” she commented.
In addition to the recent appointment of QNL staff members representing the region, QNL was also recently selected by the International Federation of Library Association and Institutions (IFLA) as the Regional Arabic Speaking Preservation and Conservation Centre (PAC). As part of this appointment, QNL will represent 25 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where Arabic is one of the official languages.
