Manara - Qatar Research Repository

Abstract

Manara is a new service launched by Qatar National Library in November 2022. This service aims to allow the Library to capture, curate, preserve, and provide access to any research outputs created in Qatar. The new service is designed as a shared repository to serve all institutions in Qatar and builds on existing libraries consortium coordinated by Qatar National Library. Manara can be an institutional repository for any research-oriented organization in Qatar, becoming a key component of the national open science infrastructure. The planned integration of Manara with the Library digital preservation system will ensure long-term access to the deposited content. Finally, Manara significantly broadens the support for open access in Qatar by opening the green OA route to all researchers willing to publish their papers or any non-traditional research outputs openly. 

Moreover, Manara, as a comprehensive and sustainable research repository, contributes significantly to several UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals by enriching scientific, educational and cultural knowledge environments, supporting research communication and information sharing. The open access model promoted through the repository makes the contribution even stronger, opening Qatari research outputs to the world. The poster presents the organizational model behind Manara, its development plans and its main challenges.

Additional information

This poster was presented at the 18th International Open Repositories Conference that took place on 12-15 June 2023 in Stellenbosch, South Africa.