Qatar University Library (QU Library) participated in the conference organized by Qatar National Library in its second edition titled 'Libraries Lead' from 19-20 March 2023. This year's theme explores how galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAMs) leverage soft power to promote diplomacy locally and between nations. The forum aims to highlight the importance of these initiatives in promoting the exchange of ideas, values, and traditions to consolidate relations and enhance cooperation locally and internationally.
At the conference, Sheikha Maryam Al Thani, Head of Reference and Information Services, presented a paper titled ‘Introducing Library Users to the History and Heritage of Qatar,’ which sheds light on the library and the diplomatic role it plays. The paper discussed two themes, the reinstitution of cultural heritage items and the ways to facilitate cultural exchange through different ways and methods.
During the conference, QU Library introduced some of the projects and initiatives, it is currently working on, to support promoting cultural heritage and traditions of the country, as well as to present the users of the library with this information.
One such project, The Oral History Project was initiated in 2021 and aims to document the oral memory of narrators in the 50s and 60s in Qatar, aiming to record historical and major events that have happened in Qatar in the past that can be related to education, effects of the oil discovery, changes in the society, and other topics. In addition, the library utilized a digital platform, the Qatar University Digital Hub, to save and publish these interviews.
Furthermore, Qatar University launched a massive open online course on the ‘edX’ e-learning platform titled ‘Qatari History and Heritage.’ The course provides knowledge and in-depth insights into the history of Qatar from the past when the society depended on pearl diving and maritime trade for its income until the state formation. The course is part of the university’s efforts in familiarizing and promoting the culture and heritage of the country of Qatar and making it available to everyone.
This is in addition to the QU Library Qatarna collection plays an active role in identifying, collecting, and disseminating knowledge on the country. Therefore, Qatarna is a depository of the most important sources of information about Qatar. Its aim is to preserve and value all Qatari publications and to help promote Qatari history, life, culture, society, and economy, as well as all aspects of life in Qatar.