Ten years of digital repositories journey

Abstract

This presentation explores the evolution of digital repositories at Qatar National Library (QNL) from 2014 to 2024. It highlights key milestones, starting with the launch of the Qatar Digital Library in 2014, which provides open access to vast historical collections. In 2017, QNL launched its Digital Repository, hosting digitized heritage collections, followed by the setup of a Digital Preservation System in 2020 to ensure long-term access to digital content. The presentation also covers the 2022 launch of Manara, Qatar’s research repository, designed to capture and promote research outputs from across the country.

By reflecting on key lessons learned—such as balancing open-source systems with technical management and addressing the challenges of digital preservation—the presentation offers valuable insights into the ongoing development of QNL’s digital repositories and future directions for enhancing research and cultural preservation in Qatar.

Additional information

This presentation was a keynote speech at the "Third Forum on Heritage Management: Digital Access and Artificial Intelligence Applications" co-organized by the Arab Administrative Development Organization (League of Arab States) and Qatar National Library on 14-16 September 2024 in Doha, Qatar.