Manama: Qatar residents have been given free access to one of the world’s largest eBook collections and online journals through an agreement between Qatar National Library (QNL) and Springer, a global scientific, technical and medical publisher.
The agreement offers country-wide access to Springer’s electronic scientific content and anyone who lives in Qatar and has a valid Qatari ID or residence permit is eligible to register at the library free of charge.
The registered members of the library will benefit from the national license without any limitations on user classifications.
“Qatar National Library’s approach is truly different,” said Claudia Lux, QNL Project Director, in a press release. “We have managed to open a library digitally first, while other national libraries have been doing it the other way round. We consider that access of knowledge is very important for the business in the region and for the entire community and we are glad to expand our service offerings by partnering with Springer to offer everyone in Qatar full access to Springer’s electronic scientific content. An agreement with Springer, the leading global scientific, technical and medical publisher, will enable people to unlock their scientific potential and develop the skills that will support their participation in the global knowledge economy.”
Derk Haank, CEO of Springer, said that they will provide, through the agreement, “valuable information to the whole country”.
“Our publishing portfolio provides cutting-edge research results, solid scientific foundations and professional knowledge in all fields of science and technology,” Haank said. “The deal will help boost Qatar’s efforts in setting up its knowledge economy. We are cooperating closely with their academic institutions and are convinced that our content will help Qatar achieve its vision of progress and growth.”
QNL, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is currently offering free online access to a vast collection of online resources, including the latest bestsellers, classical works, concerts, top academic journals and documentaries.
