National Library of Kuwait (NLK) General Director Kamel Abduljelil highlighted the unique existing relations between Qatar and Kuwait, affirming that both countries are keen to develop them through bilateral agreements, events and various exhibitions which cover all cultural fields.
Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of his participation in the inauguration of Qatar National Library (QNL) last night, Abduljelil praised the launch of QNL and highlighted what it represents for knowledge, wishing the new cultural edifice further development, growth and prosperity.
“QNL is highly established in terms of its architecture and departments including periodicals, manuscripts and documents, as well as its permanent museum exhibiting manuscripts, records of historical documents and old books, in the best way possible,” he added.
He also highlighted facilities and electronic services available in the library to help researchers and authors enjoy reading and grant them smooth and quick access to sources of information. “The library is a distinctive smart building and its location in Education City serves all students, researchers and teaching bodies.”
With its innovative design, Abduljelil said, the library is unique for applying advanced technology as books are returned back to the shelf electronically which is a new
service in the Gulf region.
“One of the most important co-operation fields between both countries is the agreement on understanding and co-operation between NLK and QNL which was signed nearly a year ago.”
He said that the agreement covers many aspects including joint activities, establishing technical developmental training courses between both parties, restoring ancient documents and manuscripts, exchanging books and periodicals, holding joint exhibitions and working in the specialised technical field.
He said one of the prominent co-operation fields between both libraries is the documentary archive of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula history, where QNL was able to obtain it from the British Library through the Indian archive.
In addition, NLK holds a large section of the archive titled ‘Kuwait record’, which was obtained from the British Library and is of up to 15 volumes containing pictures, documents, maps and valuable information about the history of the Arabian Gulf under British protection.
He explained that the co-operation with QNL enables benefiting from some books which are not available in NLK and vice versa, especially the books on the region’s history and nomadic tribes between Qatar and Kuwait and their travel, pointing to a close relation between the two countries in this era.
Abduljelil said he valued the cultural distinctiveness and continuous development witnessed in the Arabian Gulf in all fields related to cultural and intellectual fields, spreading it amongst the youth.
He, however, added that the architectural development and industrial renaissance must be accompanied by a cultural renaissance.
Abduljelil said national libraries are a country’s memory and the nation’s archive which collects all the nation’s cultural, intellectual, literary and artistic treasures from periodicals, volumes, books, manuscripts and documents. National libraries also represent the information vessels that have been collected over many years to preserve them for all generations. (QNA)
Qatar National Library
