The National Library and Archives has outlined a detailed plan to establish a specialized library dedicated to Emirati cultural heritage.
The National Library and Archives has outlined a detailed plan to establish a specialized library dedicated to Emirati cultural heritage.
The National Library and Archives organized a virtual lecture on the creation of library collections focused on Emirati cultural heritage, in support of its ongoing efforts to expand the National Library’s collection. This initiative is driven by a commitment to enhancing and empowering knowledge communities. The lecture was delivered by His Excellency Fahad Al Maamari, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Library and Information Association. It highlighted the significance of libraries as they house tens of thousands of varied titles across all disciplines and knowledge areas. It stressed that the development of collections in each library is contingent upon the establishment of policies for collection growth, including the creation of specialized collections for Emirati cultural heritage.
The lecture focused on the value of Emirati cultural heritage and the need to consolidate Emirati content within a single institution, serving as a comprehensive reference for researchers and the general public.
Topics covered in the lecture included the importance of the UAE cultural heritage library, the creation of collections of UAE literature, the preservation of popular culture, the folklore bibliography within the Heritage Library, and the role of newspapers, magazines, television, and radio programs in expanding collections.
Regarding the significance of the cultural heritage Library, Al Maamari said, “It serves as a vast repository of knowledge, encompassing thousands of pages that explore the diverse aspects and types of UAE cultural heritage. The existence of a specialized library dedicated to heritage enriches the overall volume of printed materials, making it easier for researchers to find the necessary references and sources. Furthermore, the library acts as the kernel for knowledge and science development among those interested and experts.”
He touched on the various folklore classifications within the library, which offers a comprehensive view of Emirati cultural heritage. He mentioned more than forty classifications in the bibliography of the Emirati cultural heritage library, in addition to folklore encyclopaedias. The lecturer also mentioned the methods and resources available for collecting Emirati cultural heritage across various libraries, media, and other platforms.
Mr. Hamad Al-Hamiri, the Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department at the National Library and Archives, commented, “The presentation by Mr. Fahd Al-Maamari outlines the milestones we must achieve to establish specialized collections in all areas and within each classification, while also ensuring a scientific linkage between the collections of libraries across the country. This approach will prevent the duplication of resources in the same field or other disciplines, thereby optimizing the use of space in libraries.”
Mr. Hamad Al-Hamiri expressed his deep gratitude for Mr. Al Mamari’s meticulous work in creating the ideal map of the Emirati cultural heritage library. He added that this demonstrates his profound patriotism towards our beloved heritage, which is a significant component of our identity, a cultural legacy we take great pride in, and which we need to safeguard for the benefit of future generations. It also underscores the importance of making it accessible to scholars and experts, as it plays a crucial role in the development and strengthening of knowledge-based communities.
