(MENAFN- Gulf Times)
After the successful launch of a wide range of projects and initiatives over the past six years, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and Qatar National Library (QNL) agreed to extend the library's role as the regional centre for supporting documentary heritage preservation in the Arab region and the Middle East.
The agreement enables the QNL, which was named a regional centre in 2015, to continue its leadership role in co-ordinating preservation and conservation activities among Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Last year the QNL offered several high-level online regional events, addressing topics such as manuscript dating, the study of watermarks, and scientific applications for preserving documentary heritage.
On the occasion, QNL executive director Tan Huism said:“We are delighted to be renewing this agreement, which will enable us to continue our crucial role in preserving the documentary heritage of Qatar and the region.”
“Co-operation across national borders is necessary to combat the threats to these irreplaceable heritage items, and we look forward to working with institutions around the world to ensure future generations have access to knowledge from the past,” she added.
The QNL launched the Himaya project in 2020 to combat the trafficking and illegal circulation of documentary heritage in the region, through knowledge exchange and co-operation between heritage institutions and government agencies.
Stephane Ipert, director of distinctive collections at the QNL, further added:“We are honoured to continue our fight against the illicit trafficking of heritage material, and look forward to working as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)'s Regional Preservation and Conservation Centre for the Arab region.”
“We have launched several projects since 2015 and plan to invest more efforts to protect our heritage in the coming years,” he said.“In addition, we have plans to support the training and development requirements of future experts with skills needed to conserve and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Qatar and the wider Arab region for generations to come.”
The QNL will continue its role in monitoring disasters and threats to the region's documentary heritage by working with relevant institutions to respond quickly and provide possible support.
The IFLA Preservation and Conservation Centre's network supports libraries around the world to safeguard documentary, sound, and audio-visual heritage, in its diverse forms and formats, and promotes international co-operation in support of this cause.
MENAFN15012022000067011011ID1103544386
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.