Tan Huism, Executive Director of QNL
Doha, Qatar: Qatar National Library (QNL) has established itself as an important institution in the region, dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and fostering a love for learning among its diverse community.
The library serves as a centre for education, research, and community engagement, offering extensive resources, innovative programmes, and collaborative partnerships to advance its objectives. In a recent interview with The Peninsula, Tan Huism, Executive Director of QNL, reflected on the library’s transformative journey and future ambitions. “QNL has evolved significantly to meet the dynamic needs of our community,” said Huism.
The Library’s most popular service is the loan of books. Since 2017, members have borrowed 3.1 million physical books including 608,000 in 2023. Other popular services at the Library, in no particular order, include access to millions of online resources, including e-books, e-journals, and much more. According to Huism, with over 29 million digital items downloaded, 4.3 million physical visits recorded since its opening in November 2017, QNL has become a hub for learning. “These numbers reflect our broad appeal across various demographics. We cater to everyone, from children to retirees, ensuring inclusivity in our programmes and collections”.
“While our most sought-after service remains book loans, we also provide access to millions of online resources, operate specialised libraries for children and heritage materials, and offer facilities like quiet study rooms and innovation stations,” Huism explained. The library has hosted more than 3,000 programmes, attracting nearly 350,000 participants.
“The library’s programmes were designed to empower individuals through discovery and learning, and have left a notable impact on participants,” said Huism. Programme surveys indicate that 96 percent of participants reported gaining new knowledge, and 91 percent intended to implement changes based on what they learned. Additionally, 87 percent of users felt more confident in applying the knowledge acquired from the library’s programmes. The library’s partnerships with local and international institutions play a crucial role in achieving these goals. “Collaborations enable us to broaden our cultural outreach and enhance learning opportunities,” Huism emphasised. “Together, we promote knowledge and cultural understanding on a global scale.”
In 2023, the library partnered with local schools to introduce over 8,000 students and their teachers to the library's diverse resources, offering children with a passion for writing and storytelling opportunity to learn more about creative writing and produce a book of short stories as part of the annual ‘Qalami (‘My Pen’) programme. This initiative is led by the Children’s Library in collaboration with local authors and cultural institutions.
Looking ahead, QNL is committed to innovation and growth. “We are expanding our digital collections and exploring the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance user experiences,” Huism stated. “These advancements will support our mission to preserve Qatar’s heritage while meeting the evolving needs of our diverse communities.” In a testament to its achievements over the years, the library was chosen last year as the inaugural Middle East and North Africa Regional Office for the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), a historic first for the Gulf region. As the Library continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to enriching lives through knowledge and fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem.
