QNL embraces AI while keeping reading culture at its core

Qatar National Library (QNL) is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) while maintaining its commitment to reading culture, integrating technology to enhance its core public role. As AI influences how people study, research, write, and consume information, QNL is adjusting its programs and services to keep pace with the evolving digital landscape.

Librarian – Adult Programming Israa al-Rantisi explains that AI has been part of the library since its inception, but the recent surge in global interest in AI has prompted the library to give the subject more attention.

In response to AI's growing importance, QNL has introduced a range of programs that explore AI's integration into various aspects of library services. These include sessions introducing users to AI tools and lectures discussing the advantages, limitations, and wider implications of AI. However, the library emphasizes that these technological advancements are meant to complement, not replace, the traditional library experience.

Al-Rantisi stresses that QNL aims to "enhance everything we offer," not to cancel the conventional library way.

The library already provides extensive online resources, databases, e-books, and audiobooks alongside its physical collections, with audiobooks and e-books becoming particularly popular among users. QNL also serves multiple roles, functioning as Qatar's national library, public library, and academic library, catering to the needs of both general users and academic audiences.

Its public programming ranges from activities for children and young adults to programs designed for adult audiences, all while adapting to changing expectations.

Beyond technology, QNL has focused on creating spaces for social interaction and community building. This shift, driven by feedback from patrons, has resulted in expanded community meet-ups, which offer more relaxed forms of engagement. While book discussions remain a core offering, the library now also hosts diverse activities, including arts and crafts, chess, and planting, reflecting a commitment to catering to a wide range of interests.

One of QNL's flagship initiatives in this area is Write to Inspire: Books and Authors, an annual program that examines different aspects of writing and publishing in Qatar. The inaugural edition featured authors sharing their experiences with publishing, while the second edition focused on Qatar's local publishing houses, providing aspiring writers with an opportunity to learn from industry professionals.

This year, the focus shifted to the role of AI in publishing, featuring perspectives from publishers, authors, and the Ministry of Culture, as well as discussions on potential regulations surrounding the use of AI in writing and publishing.