Iman Bouchlebi: Rare collectibles, titles and references, including 6 million electronic sources
«Treasures» from the past and the present on the shelves of Sharjah public libraries
Sharjah Public Libraries cater to readers of all types.
Emirates today
Iman Bouchlebi: "Our rare manuscripts include a copy of the manuscript of the Kitab al-Tariq preserved in the National Library of France, a manuscript copy of Maqamat al-Hariri, and others."
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Sharjah Public Libraries, in their various branches, are full of huge collections of old and new titles and publications, as well as rare holdings, including valuable manuscripts, all available to library-goers and reading enthusiasts of all ages.
The Director of Sharjah Public Libraries Department, Iman Bushlebi, revealed to "Emirates Today" that the libraries contain huge collections of books, sources and references;
Among them, 6,120,000 electronic sources are divided into e-books, audiobooks, newspapers, magazines, articles, video content, book summaries, archival materials, rare books and manuscripts, theses, maps, and photos.
She said that Sharjah Public Libraries meet the public's need for their quality services through six branches;
It is distributed between Sharjah, Khorfakkan, Kalba, Dibba Al-Hisn, Wadi Al-Helou and Al Dhaid, and its total holdings amount to approximately 730 thousand items or knowledge containers, covering 32 international languages.
In the forefront of which are Arabic and English, and include various arts, literature and scientific disciplines in all fields of interest to researchers and readers of different segments and interests.
She added: "As for those who have an interest in manuscripts and rare books, the Rare Books Department places them in front of treasures from these holdings, including a copy of the Noble Qur'an of our master Othman bin Affan, illustrated by the copy preserved in the Topkapi Saray Museum."
And she continued: "The rare manuscripts include a copy of the manuscript of the Book of Al-Tariaq preserved in the National Library of France, the manuscript of the book Unveiled Narcotics of Urgent Expression, the manuscript of the explanation of the Hasami team, a manuscript copy of Maqamat al-Hariri, and others."
She noted that in order to ensure that the blind have their own space that allows them to enhance their knowledge, Sharjah Public Libraries in the Al-Amidi Hall offer a range of smart services for people with visual impairment, through which they can access the digital space and benefit from a number of devices available in its branches.
Iman Bouchlebi stated that one of the most prominent assistive devices for people with visual disabilities is those that are equipped with large screens that help them browse books and view them by voice.
She pointed out that Sharjah Public Libraries include other devices, such as a text-reading machine and a portable device that combines technological performance and tactile techniques, intended for those who suffer from visual impairment, blind or deaf-mute people who wish to stay connected to the Internet.
And she continued: "Sharjah public libraries also take great care of children's books and the halls designated for them, including providing virtual reality environments that allow children to interact with content using natural techniques, and enable the child to experience three-dimensional computer applications dealing with simplified scientific topics, and libraries also provide special databases. For children, it includes audio or electronic content, and to help the child freely access information, the image search feature is available, which helps the child to obtain book data in the electronic library catalog.
With regard to the halls designated for young people, she indicated that in addition to the books it provides on their shelves, they are also provided with a professional photography training service, using the latest devices that enable them to design and create, in addition to a room dedicated to the audio recording service for training in recording podcast clips, Finally, they can take advantage of the 3D printer to develop concepts of production capacity, and implement the printing of shapes and models that they are creative in their design.
The Director of Sharjah Public Libraries added: “In addition to their usual services to their patrons, the libraries adopt many qualitative events and programs, such as cultural, educational, sports workshops, and community initiatives that target audiences of all age groups, which made it a platform for learning, education, awareness raising and skills development. And meeting with specialists and experts in several fields.”
She explained that the programs and events offered by libraries vary between real and virtual, including reading clubs and summer reading camp, in addition to specialized reading workshops on a weekly basis in the children's hall, university specializations exhibition, and the professional guide forum.
Meaningful posts and initiatives
Sharjah Public Libraries are keen to be present at cultural forums and festivals in the emirate, such as the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival and the Sharjah International Book Fair, in addition to participating in the implementation of quality workshops in several professional disciplines in cooperation with government institutions and agencies.
Sharjah Libraries organized many cultural seminars and initiatives aimed at achieving its strategic directions, most notably providing its knowledge platform, so that libraries become a common place that meets the needs of the public.
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