The National Archives and Library reveals efforts to develop its knowledge system
Abu Dhabi, 12 April / WAM / The National Archives and the National Library organized a dialogue session during which they reviewed the latest developments in the National Library and the continuing efforts to enhance its position as a cultural and civilizational beacon that contributes to preserving the Emirati heritage, documenting the history of the country, and reflecting the role of the UAE in preserving the intellectual and cultural heritage.
Dr. Hamad Al-Mutairi, Acting Executive Director of the National Archives and Library, stressed that the National Library represents a strategic institution in building a knowledge society, given its importance in making information available and supporting scientific research.
He pointed out that the developments witnessed by the library include the collections, the modern technologies used, and work mechanisms in accordance with the law and its executive regulations, which contribute to building an integrated information system that highlights the thought and culture of the United Arab Emirates.
For his part, Hamad Al-Humairi, Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department, reviewed the National Library’s journey since the issuance of the law annexing it to the National Archives in late 2021, noting that this step strengthened its role as a pivotal institution that contributes to building an integrated national information system.
He touched on the importance of controlling the national bibliography of the country’s intellectual production, creating the UAE authority file, in addition to developing the system of technical operations and services provided through an interconnected network of libraries at the state level.
He pointed to the preparation of national standards and guides for collecting documentary heritage, in coordination with the relevant authorities, in addition to implementing the legal deposit system for all publications issued in the country.
He explained that the National Library has come a long way in building international partnerships, especially in the field of international standard numbering of periodicals, and the National Archives and Library have become the body responsible for this numbering in the UAE, in addition to active participation in relevant international organizations.
He added that one of the most prominent initiatives is the launch of scholarship programs in the field of library science, and the approaching graduation of the first batch of them, in addition to implementing specific projects that include building collections, and working to launch the International Standard Book Number services.
In the same context, Dr. Riad Ben Lallam, the library’s digital transformation project manager, gave a technical and technical presentation on the process of developing the digital infrastructure of the National Library, explaining that the digital transformation process took about five years, during which the transition took place from a traditional environment to an advanced technical system.
He stressed that the National Library has adopted the best international standards in developing its services, noting the launch of the digital repository in 2023, the implementation of an integrated automated system for managing library services (2023), in addition to the launch of the electronic portal that facilitates access to knowledge sources (2025), the legal deposit management system (2025), and the Emirati catalog (2026).
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