The Qatar National Library has adjusted its services to address the challenges learners and library users face due to COVID-19.
Although the Qatar National Library, as a physical building, is closed, its online resources are always open to members. The Library has the online “Ask Our Librarians” service to support the community and answer questions ranging from simple issues about certain books or articles to more complex matters, such as assistance in compiling work for a university project.
“Our online resources are accessible to our members at all times wherever they are at https://www.qnl.qa/en/explore/online-resources. We have recently launched a number of subject guides with curated lists of recommended resources, which provide an overview of specific subject areas and offer ideas on how and where to start looking for materials,” Lara Oliver, Senior Information Services Librarian told The Peninsula.
These subject guides can be viewed at https://libguides.qnl.qa/. The Library has a special guide with official information and references to the most relevant research articles about the pandemic, which is regularly updated and can be found at https://libguides.qnl.qa/coronavirus.
“To continue to serve our community during this unusual time, we are working to provide online alternatives to our events via our digital platforms. Appointments with our highly skilled librarians can be booked remotely, as can consultations with our writing specialist, who offers help on work, school and personal projects,” said Lara.
The Library has unique resources that members of the community can access using their Library membership.
“We have a raft of resources available online that are all free of charge. OverDrive, for example, is very straightforward to use and provides access to a wide selection of ebooks and audiobooks of popular fiction and non-fiction titles,” said Lara.
For those looking to expand their speaking skills in a foreign language, the Library offers Mango Languages. This is an interactive database where more than 70 languages are available for people to learn from scratch or perhaps brush up on their knowledge of anything from Arabic and Cantonese to Greek and Italian to Polish and Vietnamese, and, of course, English as a second language.
PressReader is also available to Library members. “This is a useful online feature, as it offers accessibility to more than 7,000 newspapers and magazines from over 100 countries in 60-plus languages, covering a whole host of topics. Again, this is free to all members,” said Lara.
There are also numerous resources dedicated to children and young adults, which provide both supportive learning materials as well as entertainment options.
In guidance to members of the community (and Library users) to make the most out of the Library’s available online resources, Lara said: “Though the Library is closed due to the pandemic, learning can continue via our online services. This is particularly useful to students who have seen their schools and universities closed — they can continue their work with our support. In addition, if you are a parent, a care provider or simply a general reader with an inquisitive mind, you can create a plan of the skills you want to develop and then check out what we have to offer online.”
“We are always glad to connect people to the information they need — whether you want to learn a new language or skill, take up a hobby, conduct academic research, or simply find your next book to read. If you have a question, just email us at [email protected] or visit “Ask Our Librarians” on the Library’s homepage. And, of course, I encourage anyone who is not already a member to register online; all you need is your Qatar ID or Residency Permit,” she added.
Several facilities and features of Qatar National Library’s online resources are unique and they help members of the community embrace continuous learning.
“Perhaps first and foremost, our resources are free of charge for our members, and you can register for membership easily through our website. Our resources are varied and diverse, we believe anyone of any age — from young children to students to older members of the community — will find something to enjoy. We realise that the vast number of resources can be daunting, so “Ask Our Librarians” makes subject experts available to help users find what they need. We hope all of our members make the most of our digital options during this uncertain time,” said Sebastian Wilke, Senior Information Services Librarian. He also suggested a list of digital resources to the readers.
RBdigital is great for comic and magazine enthusiasts. It has thousands of digital graphic novels, comics and magazines to suit all ages and interests.
“Medici.tv is also one of my personal favourite resources, and I recommend it to those who, like me, enjoy classical music. You can stream hundreds of videos of concerts, operas, ballets, masterclasses, documentaries and live broadcasts. Enjoying some peaceful and relaxing music is something we all need right now in our lives, I would say,” said Sebastian.
“And this leads me to point readers in the direction of Naxos Music Library. Here, you can stream audio recordings from a large catalogue of classical, jazz and world music. Useful information about the artists and composers you are listening to will also add to your experience. Overall, we are very proud of what we offer our members, and we look forward to seeing new people join the Library to enjoy what we have during these exceptionally difficult times,” he added.
To recall, all borrowed items will be automatically renewed until further notice and no fines will be incurred, while the Library is closed. Since Education City is also closed to the public due to the lockdown, users should keep all items until the Library reopen.
