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QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY Annual Report 2018

1 Qatar National Library

QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY Annual Report 2018

His Highness

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Amir of the State of Qatar

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD 1

VISION, MISSION AND VALUES 3 2018 BY NUMBERS 7

QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY TAKES THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

17

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 21

1. Perform the National Library Role22

2. Expand and Improve Library Services

26

3. Open Up Collections and Content32

4. Support Research and Heritage 36

5. Qatar National Library as an Independent Organization

44

6 Qatar National Library

FOREWORD

I am pleased to present Qatar National Library's first Annual Report for 2018. This year has been an extraordinary one, a year of community transformation and professional achievements.

Like many libraries over the past few centuries, ours came from the dream of one remarkable person who conceived an idea, developed it and persevered to bring it to life. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation, is that person, the inspiration and brilliance behind the creation of a national library like no other--one which serves the public, supports research and preserves the nation's heritage in all forms for this and future generations.

Architect Rem Koolhaas' illustrious design symbolically represents the Library's vision and mission. The building, at 45,000 square meters, provides more than one million books, ground-breaking technology and unparalleled access to digital resources, a dedicated library for children and young adults, and even a restaurant and caf?. It is a stunning creation, yet it is so much more than just a building. It is a public square, a place for the community to learn, and a space where people come together, build friendships, and find their common humanity and culture.

The Library's vision is ambitious and, in many ways, radical. Qatar has chosen to invest in libraries at a time when other nations are not, and we have a great responsibility to lead the way by providing the highest quality library services to all citizens, residents and visitors in the country. I am proud to have the opportunity to lead a team of talented and enthusiastic staff, and we are all delighted to have been the first occupants of such a landmark building, an iconic structure that embodies the openness and democratic values of libraries.

The opening of the Library marks a modern age for libraries in Qatar and the region. At the heart of our mission is the development of a culture of reading and learning that will bloom in the current generation of Qataris and continue far into the future.

Please read about our first-year experiences, activities and the joy of seeing nearly a half-million people join us to partake in what we offer. Whether it has been a storytelling hour, a science club meeting, an IT workshop, a concert by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra or any of the other 757 events we put on this year, we have been grateful for the enthusiasm with which our users have embraced our offerings.

We hope in the coming years to grow our facilities and expertise to deliver the services required by a 21st-century library. We will collect, preserve and cherish the country's intellectual and cultural heritage, and we will share it for the world to enjoy. We will open up our collections and content through our digital platforms and publishing activities. We will strive to constantly raise our standards and bring our services closer to our users--wherever they are from and whatever language they speak.

The opening of this library is a profound tribute to the dedication of Qatar's leadership and the professionalism of our staff, as they have been the cornerstone of our achievements. I thank them for their tremendous efforts during our first year on the world library scene.

May Qatar always be a nation guided by knowledge.

Dr. Sohair Wastawy Executive Director, Qatar National Library

Annual Report 2018 1

2 Qatar National Library

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