Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar National Library (QNL) is set to organise a series of events to develop librarianship skills across the region in line with its role as the MENA Regional Office for the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).
On October 31, the library resumes its ‘Librarians for Libraries’ series with a session focused on making stories entertaining and engaging for children with autism. Titled “Discover the Art of Storytelling for Children with Autism”, the session empowers librarians to leverage simple yet effective approaches to create meaningful storytime experiences.
The Librarians for Libraries series returns on November 5 with a session exploring the principles and best practices of instructional design – using our knowledge of how people learn to design better educational courses and workshops. Librarians will learn how instructional design can be applied to enhance learning experiences within the library environment through effective, engaging, and learner-centred programmes.
On November 12, the focus turns to creating a home library with one’s children. The session will delve into how a home book collection becomes a child’s first library, uncovering its unique role in their development and sharing creative tips on designing, organising, and tailoring it to captivate their interests and needs.
On November 18, the library hosts another interactive training session on how to create an immersive escape room experience to educate visitors about museum collections and the functions of libraries. Participants will learn how to design puzzles and clues centred around museum objects while showcasing how libraries operate.
Librarians will have the opportunity to learn the fundamental terminology of artificial intelligence on November 24 during a session with the theme “A Non-Techie’s Guide to AI for Library Professionals”. The session will explore how AI is starting to impact libraries and discuss effective ways to leverage the technology to enhance education and learning.
Eiman Saleh Al Shamari, manager of IFLA MENA regional office at QNL, said the library is committed to pursuing efforts to empower and equip librarians across the region with the knowledge and tools to excel.
“The librarians at Qatar National Library possess extensive expertise, experience and valuable insights, which we want to share with peers in Qatar and across the region. Our goal is to support the enhancement of regional libraries, enabling them to deliver improved services to their communities,” Shamari said.
“As IFLA’s representative in the MENA region, we also play a vital role in fostering international cultural exchange to deepen understanding between nations and their people. Achieving this vision depends on librarians being well-equipped to drive it forward, which is why we emphasise initiatives like the Librarians for Libraries series,” Shamari added.
QNL was designated as the IFLA MENA Regional Office at the 88th edition of the IFLA General Conference and Assembly that took place in Rotterdam last year. Librarians who wish to register for any of the events can do so at www.qnl.qa/en/events.
