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Doha:The Qatar National Library (QNL) has recorded an increase in visitors and books checked out in recent months, said QNL Executive Director, Tan Huism. The library's new mobile app launched recently is also getting a warm response from readers.
QNL launched the new mobile app as part of its mission to deliver exceptional digital library experience.
The QNL app is designed to engage users, keep them informed about the library’s services and provide on-the-go access to resources and information.
“We have seen a good number of people borrowing electronic books, so that for us is a wonderful sign, because we feel that not everybody can visit the Library on a regular basis; that’s why we have introduced a mobile app, which enables people to read electronic books or listen to audio books a lot more easier,” said Huism. Around 14,000 people downloaded the app within two weeks.
With its seamless integrations, the app offers patrons an innovative and convenient way to connect with the library and its resources.
“People have come to say the QNL mobile app is really making much easier for me to listen to an audio book,” said Huism. “We do see people do like physical book, and there is also a growing increase in people who want to read electronic books,” she added.
Library patrons checked out 296,456 books in 2022. Of the total, 167,580 are from the children’s collection. The total number of books checked out in 2022 has shown an increase of 113,313 compared to 183,143 books checked out in 2021.
“We do see actually the number of books that have been checked out is almost similar to the pre pandemic times. We have basically bounced back from COVID-19 and this actually highlights the importance of libraries in the lives of community. So we have put in a lot of progress,” said Huism.
“What we have learnt from COVID-19 pandemic is that we can also reach audience through digital programmes; but people still like to be physically present at the Library; so now in the post-pandemic era to meet with the public interest we have the ability to host two types of programmes.”
The number of people attending public lectures and community events at the library has also seen an increase.
“Starting from mid of 2022, we have seen a rise in the numbers of community visit us physically, because for us the Library is not just a place to borrow books, it’s a place where the communities meet and also a safe haven for anyone who wants to decompress to have leisure, read and expand their knowledge,” Huism said.
The library’s collection includes over one million books in English, Arabic, and other languages, complemented by a dedicated Children’s Library and Young Adults collection. The QNL Heritage Library collection includes rare and valuable items related to Arab and Islamic civilization. Its collection has more than 50,000 items, including manuscripts, early printed books, historical maps, globes, photographs, and scientific instruments.
