Interview: Tan Huism
How have libraries adapted in response to behavioural shifts caused by the Covid-19 pandemic?
TAN HUISM: During the pandemic libraries adopted innovative approaches to ensure uninterrupted access to knowledge. In QNL’s case, this included the expansion of online services and the migration of in-person services to digital platforms. As such services proved popular and convenient, we have retained many of them despite returning to pre-pandemic levels of physical books being borrowed. While people still enjoy visiting the library and holding a book in their hands, patrons have embraced new technologies and the improved access enabled by digital offerings. That said, following the pandemic QNL saw a revival in engagement with physical books. Families, in particular, sought comfort in the tangible nature of books, steering children away from prolonged time in front of screens.
In what ways can libraries leverage technology to maximise access to reading materials?
HUISM: Libraries must ensure that online platforms are user-friendly, meet patron demand and cater to all sections of the community. QNL has extensive digital resources, including e-books and audio books. Our Qatar-related databases, which include a digital repository of material about the history of the Gulf and the wider region, are available free of charge to all around the world. Such services have been augmented by the development of the QNL app, which launched in February 2023. The app offers patrons access to digital resources and facilitates on-the-go reading. As well as enabling streamlined digital access to e-books and audiobooks, the app allows patrons to borrow physical books through a built-in scanner.
This fusion of physical and digital reading is aligned with evolving reading habits. Looking ahead, technology opens up new possibilities in areas such as virtual tours and the creation of an immersive reading environment for patrons using augmented reality.
Where do you see opportunities for collaboration with cultural institutions and the private sector?
HUISM: Libraries are seeking partnerships with cultural institutions and the private sector in order to develop comprehensive projects that contribute meaningfully to cultural exchange and enrichment. One notable area of cooperation involves the preservation of heritage. Acknowledging that some historical documents from the country and the Gulf are located outside the region, QNL is collaborating with libraries and archives around the world to make these collections accessible to researchers. This includes a partnership with the British Library and the subsequent creation of Qatar Digital Library, which has helped disseminate content from archives such as the India Office Records to researchers around the globe. QNL is also working with the General Authority of Customs to train library staff and Customs officers on conservation and the prevention of the trafficking of cultural artefacts.
By which means are libraries cultivating specialised skills and talent to bolster the expansion of the cultural sector and preserve national heritage?
HUISM: In recognising the evolving nature of library science and the indispensable role of technology, libraries encourage their personnel to stay abreast of technological advancements, fostering a curiosity for learning and ensuring that the skills required for the dynamic field of library science are consistently honed.
Training and skills development initiatives help provide avenues for library employees to engage in a variety of online courses, enabling them to acquire new skills or improve existing ones. Understanding the importance of staying connected with global developments, libraries encourage their staff to attend conferences and participate in international associations. This commitment to professional development ensures that libraries remain at the forefront of the advancements being made in library science and cultural preservation.
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