Samia H. Al Shiba Abeer S. Al Kuwari Founding Member Founding Member

Metlib 27th April 2016

The Library and Information Association in Qatar (LIA-Q)

Roles, Challenges and Future Aspirations

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Introduction

Professional Associations have played a key role in developing libraries and librarianship around the world. How Qatar is benefiting from the other countries experiences!

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Library Association in the Gulf Region

Country Established Founders Board Member

Nationality Gov Fund

Saudi Arabia 1979 >10 5-13 Saudi Yes

Bahrain 1994 >10 5-12 Bahraini Yes

Kuwait 2005 >10 >5 Kuwaiti No

Oman 2007 >40 5-12 Any No

Qatar starting >20 5-11 Qatari No

UAE -- >20 >5 UAE No

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Main Roles of Library Associations in Gulf Countries

• Raising awareness and promoting interest of the importance of libraries, information and archives

• Building links between specialists

• Setting up norms and standards to be followed in the field of library, information and archive

• Uniting the efforts of workers in the field of library, information and archive to develop library service standards and regulations

• Encouraging the establishment of libraries and information centers of various kinds

• Disseminating research and studies in the field of library and information and archive

• Holding scientific meetings to discuss the library and information and archive issues

Al-Jabry, Saif. “Role of Library Associations in Developing Knowledge Culture in the Arab Region.” AFLI, 2012

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Cultural and professional Association in Qatar

Qatar Fine Arts Association : 1980

Qatar Photography Society: 1995

Qatar Society of Engineers: 2007

Qatari Association of Certified Public Accountants: 2007

Qatar Medical Society: 2007

Qatari Society of AlGannas 2008

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Private Associations and Foundations Law No. 12 of 2004

To establish an association, the following conditions must be met:

a) The number of founders shall be no fewer than twenty (20) people;

b) Payment of a fee of One Thousand (1,000) Riyals;

A founding member or ordinary member must meet the following requirements:

a) Must be of Qatari nationality;

b) Must not be under the age of eighteen (18) years;

c) Must have not received a final sentence in respect of a crime involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, unless such person has been rehabilitated;

d) Must be of a good reputation and conduct.

The Council of Ministers may, when necessary, as the public interest so requires and on the proposal of the Minister, approve the establishment of Associations that do not meet certain conditions as set forth in items 1(a) and 2(a) of this

Article.

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Associations’ Goals and Roles

Common Goals

Improve the profession, libraries, and library services

Leadership

Networking

A voice

Professional Development

Standards and Best Practice

Advocacy

Partnership

Common Roles

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Library Association Main Activities in Gulf Region

Professional Consultation

Life Style Service Deduction Workshop Regular meetings Free Training Professional News Publication

Regular Reports National Directories

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LIA-Q Establishment

Vision

Leading the development of library and information sector in Qatar.

Mission

Advance the Library & information profession with the recent international trends & developments.

Foster an advanced intellectual environment for library specialists.

Leveraging the awareness of libraries & information sectors and development.

Spreading knowledge of libraries’ value among the members and the Qatari community.

Development of members with cultural knowledge and information literacy.

Enhancing the relations among members and promoting the team work culture.

Collaborating with libraries and library Associations and groups, both locally and globally.

LIA-Q Role & Objectives

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Community Analysis

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Community Perception of LIAQ

98.08% Encouraged the establishment of LIAQ.

94.23% Expresses interest to join LIAQ once its established.

82.69% Agree that the Forum session were useful and rich with

Library sectors related information

46.15% Agreed that the overall organizing of the Forum was excellent

Pre- Library Forum Survey respondents: 193 Post- Library Forum respondents: 52

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LIA-Q Challenges

Recognition Funding

Commitment Collaboration

Legal Establishment. Headquarters. Bank account. Sponsorship. Collaborative efforts. Attracting members. Membership fees.

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LIAQ Activities & Projects

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New members Orientation meeting

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Media Coverage

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Looking forward

Local, regional and international partnerships. Members recruitment and engagement. LIAQ first publication. LIAQ website.

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Special Thanks

Qatar National Library

Qatar University

The Doha Book fair Committee

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Museum

SLA Gulf Branch

Katara

Thank You

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