DOHA: The Metropolitan Libraries (MetLib) 2016 Qatar conference, organised by Qatar National Library (QNL), will feature insightful sessions focusing on innovation in the information services sector, children’s services and community and staff development.
This year’s forum is taking place in the Middle East and North Africa region for the first time, demonstrating the international renown of QNL, of Qatar Foundation (QF).
The six-day programme aims to provide professional development opportunities to librarians and information services professionals.
Engineer Saadi Al Said, Director, Planning and Administration, QNL, said, “MetLib 2016 puts Qatar and the wider region on the international information services map, and will be a driving force for the development of metropolitan libraries in the region.
“We have designed the programme in a way that allows participants from Qatar and abroad to not only initiate vital conversations, but also experience Qatar’s rich heritage, culture and hospitality.”
The conference will get underway with the ‘Innovation in Library Services’ session, where participants will explore how libraries respond to community needs by adapting their service philosophies, and highlight new best practices in the industry.
The ‘Community Learning’ session on the second day will examine new ways libraries can bring people together to acquire new skills in a shared space.
The ‘Developing the Future through Children and Teen Services’ discussion will encourage participants to explore innovative ways to stimulate young people’s creativity and imagination.
Topics on how libraries are developing their staff to create new modes of operations and new service paradigms will be discussed during the ‘Staff Development’ session.
On the opportunities MetLib 2016 Qatar offers, Dr Claudia Lux, Project Director, QNL, said, “Being selected to host MetLib 2016 Qatar is indicative of the region’s growing influence and ability to become a key player in the global information services sector.
“The conference is set to present unprecedented opportunities for the information services sector as it strives to embrace innovation,” she said.
MetLib 2016 Qatar will be held from April 23 to 28 under the theme of ‘Pearls in the Desert: Unleashing Potential’. By registering online, members of the public will have the opportunity to attend alongside library professionals.
To register, please visit www.metlib2016qatar.org/en/register and visit www.qnl.qa to learn more about QNL.
The Peninsula
