Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart the right information. The progress towards achieving the sustainable development goals cannot be measured without access to information. In this context, we review several Qatar University (QU) specialists’ opinion about the importance of getting access to information.
On the occasion of (IDUAI) this month, which seeks to raise awareness on the importance of access to information, Maryam Al Thani, Section Head of reference and information services. Commented on the role of QU raising awareness of the importance of using information saying, “QU library provides a variety of information such as book, magazine, etc. that help the academic need of university users and visitors. The library provide different services such as “ask specialists” this service also available online to raise awareness educate the student community about the information in the library and help them access it.”
She adds, “The library contains large numbers of printed books and e-book. However, the user may not find the book they needs. We provides a lot of ways to enrich the library such as offering an inter-library loan services that allows the library to borrow books from other libraries, and users can order the purchase of resources from books, magazine and others.”
Aisha Al-Abdulla, Section Head of Digital Repository and Archives Section said, “Access to information an integral part of the educational process. Therefore, Qatar University plays an effective and important role in educating the student community about the importance of using information by requesting, receiving, benefiting from, and transmitting information”.
“Building knowledge societies is reflected in the individual’s ability to obtain and use information. From this stand point, Qatar university library are one of the importance source of information. Creating a conscious, educated generation capable of acquiring skills and knowledge. And enable to the information researchers by providing spaces that accommodate all activities and events also, to motivate the community to access to right information.”
Abdelhakim Beshawi, Acting Head of Research and Instructions commented, “The research and instruction department team (information awareness) specialized on providing training workshops and courses (in both Arabic and English) for QU community to teach the beneficiary how to use the public and specialized electronic databases. In addition, we provide documentation and reference citation program (End Note Web). In order to enhance research skills and access to reliable information to support the educational process and scientific research at Qatar University.”
Fatema Al-Thani, Senior Engagement and Communications Specialist said, “UNESCO celebrates IDUAI to emphases the importance of access to right information and benefiting from the existent information. Libraries play an important role in providing information and resources. At QU library, we are committed on educating the student community about the importance of using information and helping users to access information from the right source.”
She adds, “The librarian has a major role in responding inquiries, guiding visitors to specialized books, and providing reference and requested sources. All the databases are available free (electronic or printed). Also the library organizes workshop and training courses that explain ways to access to information and resources and how to use the information.”
Source: Qatar University