The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) broadcasted yesterday a webinar titled: “The role of libraries in distance learning”, in which Dr Nouf Al Khashman, Library Director, discussed the role of academic libraires in remote learning, the support they provide, the challenges faced as well as visualizing the future libraries.
Dr Nouf explained that it is not possible to look at academic libraries in isolation from research institutions to which they belong, as the factors of shifting higher education to remote learning are the same.
Al Khashman spoke about the increase use of e-resources within virtual classrooms, the connection of faculty members and students with library information specialists, the increase of student engagement, and the reduce risk of copyright infringement. Pointing out the services provided by DI library, including advanced reference services, training workshops, e-resources, and other services.
In terms of challenges, Dr Nouf addressed the high cost of magazines, licensed data, and subscriptions, in addition to losing the value of printed resources these days. Referring in this context to the process of transition from ownership to accessibility, and the provision of service to users through digital resources, e-books, and database services.
Al Khashman affirmed that distance education has greatly helped to plan by reviewing how the nature of work has changed and the tools or techniques used, considering the access to print resources within the library and noting the changes in the Institute's library, in terms of providing e-resources. Stressing the need to adapt to the conditions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19), by providing a flexible way to reach the services.
