Doha, Qatar: The popularity of online resources offered by the Qatar National Library has steadily increased over the years.
Digital technologies and the growing online access have led to greater demand for digital reading materials, academic papers, newspapers, magazines, and other online resources, said Director of IT Operations and Infrastructure at the Library, Nasser Al Ansari.
“As users become more accustomed to the convenience and accessibility of digital platforms, the popularity of online resources has increased, attracting a larger audience and expanding the reach of the library’s collections. This increase in popularity is a testament to the value and relevance of online resources in meeting users’ information and learning needs in the digital age,” he told The Peninsula.
The library’s online resources comprise an impressive collection of 634,519 ebooks, 230 databases, 13 children’s and young adults’ databases, and 16,780 journals. The Arabic resources contain 36,641 Arabic ebooks and 4,243 Arabic journals, further enriching the library’s digital offerings.
“Through these extensive online resources, the library empowers individuals to explore and engage with information in a convenient and accessible manner, supporting their lifelong learning and intellectual growth,” said Al Ansari.
He said that Britannica (English), Scholastic (English), OverDrive (English & Arabic), Tumble Book Library (English), and iJana (Arabic) are popular among children.
OverDrive, NewYork Times, PressReader, and Financial Times are popular among the young adults.
The QNL online resources cater to various interests, subject areas, and age groups, ensuring that researchers, students, and parents can explore various free-of-cost resources in English and Arabic.
“Members can take advantage of various downloadable materials, including ebooks, audiobooks, academic papers, newspaper articles from esteemed publications like the New York Times, Financial Times, and Press Reader, as well as a rich selection of magazines. Furthermore, the Library’s online resources encompass music and video streaming services, providing diverse content,” said Al Ansari.
For children and young adults, the library offers a comprehensive collection of online resources tailored to their needs, such as Primary Search, Nahla waNahil, and Britannica Academic. “Children benefit from the availability of age-appropriate digital resources, including interactive educational games, ebooks, and learning tools. Adults find value in the extensive collection of ebooks, academic papers, newspapers, and magazines that cover various subject areas,” said Al Ansari. In reply to a question about how online resources impact the number of physical books borrowed, Al Ansari said, “While the impact of online resources on the borrowing of physical books may vary, they provide additional avenues for users to access and engage with information.
The availability of digital materials through the app and online resources allows users to conveniently explore a broader range of materials. However, the Library’s physical collection of books continues to play a vital role, offering a tangible and immersive reading experience that many users value.”
