Smart From The Start Spaces and Facilities at Qatar National Library (QNL) - Presented by

Smart From The Start
      Spaces and Facilities
 at Qatar National Library (QNL)

                   Presented by
                 Abeer S. Al Kuwari
    Director of Research and Learning Services
                 asalkuwari@qn.qa

Facts About Qatar
• Located in East of Arabia

• 11,437 km2
• Population 2,743,932

• Economy: Oil & Gas

• World Cup 2022

• Highest Literacy rate in GCC (97.3%)

• Rated # 1 for Internet penetration in the
  world (99% usage of total population)
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Establishment Of QNL
• Project was announced in 2012
• Move in to the building in Feb.
  2017
• 2012- 2017, QNL provided services
  to users through:
      o E- resources ( Articles, E-books,
        Magazines, etc.)
      o Reference Services via Question Point.
      o Programs and Workshops ( book
        discussions, Information Literacy,
        lectures, etc.)

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QNL Supports

   Engagement        Learning,      Country's
       of the      Innovation &   transition to
   community        inspiration    sustainable
   of all ages &                    economy
     interests

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QNL Functions
• A National Library
Preserve the heritage of the country for the future generations
                                                                      QNL caters for
• A Public Library                                                   everyone's needs
Ensure lifelong learning for leisure and overall development      whether it was reading
     o Adults
     o Children
                                                                   for leisure, studying,
     o Teens                                                       career development,
     o Seniors
                                                                   research or meet up
• A Research Library                                                  others for fun.
Provide various resources, tools and support to cater for a
research community in Qatar

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QNL’s Collection

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QNL Building
• Designed by the architect Rem Koolhass.
• Designed as a community space for
  residents of Qatar.
• Designed to facilitate effective exchange of
  ideas and communal learning.
• Designed to achieve balance between
  content availability and accessibility,
  content preservation and security.

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Features of The Building
• 45,000 square meters            • 28 Reading Carrels
• Capacity for 1000 visitor       • Special Event Area
• Capacity of 1.2 Million Books   • Café
• Children Library                • Restaurant (Life Cocking
                                    Screens)
• Teens Library                   • Interpretation equipment
• Heritage Library                • WIFI

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Smart For The Users
• Self- Check in/out Machines through RFID
• 28 Custom Designed Circulation System (Automated Book Sorter)
• Drive- through book drop station
• Accessibility through People Mover System
• AV Equipment and Media Rooms
• Six Gaming Kiosks
• Interactive Screens (Digital Exhibitions)
• Digital and automated displays (Sushi Belt display, Magic Box, etc.)

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A Monument to Knowledge

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EK4bjKxK2Q
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Assistive Technology Center
This center is specially designed
for people with disabilities. It
contains:
   • Adjustable workstations.
   • latest technological equipment
     (Scanning Pens, Headphones,
     ergonomic keyboards and mice,
     braille keyboards, and portable
     electronic magnifiers).

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Innovation Station
Four rooms with the latest
technologies that caters for
creative learning and innovative
production:
• Music Studio
• 3D Printing, Digital Sewing, Media
  conversion, etc.
• Photography& Videography Studio
• Multi Media Production.

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QNL’s “Soft Opening” Anniversary

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_0AqegPE9U   42

UX at QNL
• Collect and evaluate Statistics
• Encourage feedback
• Respond to all inquiries and proposals
• Monitor usage
• Review and adjust services/ facilities
• Focus Groups/ Advisory Committees
• Usability-testing/ Website

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Thank You
www.qnl.wa

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