The head of library and archives at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Abdullah Yacoub Yousef Al-Abdullah, attended the 48thMetropolitan Libraries (MetLib) Conference, hosted by Qatar National Library (QNL) in Doha, from April 23-28. MetLib 2016 brought together leading industry professionals and librarians from Qatar, the region and beyond to explore key trends and challenges within the information services sector. Commenting on his attendance at the conference, Al-Abdullah said: "This conference provided libraries and members of the information services industry in the region with an ideal opportunity to network and discuss important topics that are vital to the growth of this sector. We are delighted to see industry experts and practitioners from around the world gathered to review the astonishing progress we have made over the previous years." He added: "We had vital conversations throughout the conference with leading experts about the progress of the library and information services sector in this region, specifically in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I have no doubt that the feedback we received during MetLib 2016 Qatar will help us further enhance the library and archives department at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture." Under the overarching theme of "Pearls In The Desert: Unleashing Potential", QNL, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), welcomed regional delegates from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to the conference for the first time since its inception. MetLib 2016 Qatar explored vital topics related to librarianship through a series of insightful presentations and discussions. Areas of focus included furthering innovation in library services, enhancing community learning, developing the future through children and teen services, and the importance of building partnerships for the continued development of the information services sector. In her opening remarks, QNL's Project Director Claudia Lux said: "We are honoured that Qatar National Library has been chosen to host MetLib 2016 Qatar. It presents an extraordinary opportunity for the region's information service industry and its progress toward nurturing innovation and creativity. This conference serves as an important platform for public and metropolitan libraries from around the world to exchange ideas, share knowledge and address key challenges facing the industry today." Dr Lux continued: "The library and information services industry is undergoing tremendous change, and with change comes opportunities. Libraries should start providing professional development opportunities for their staff to fully unlock their potential towards better serving and developing their communities." Saadi Al-Said, director of Administration and Planning at QNL, said: "Qatar National Library hosting MetLib 2016 is a true indication of Qatar and the wider region's desire and ability to become a key contributor to the global information services industry. MetLib 2016 is fully aligned with the nation's commitment to develop a state-of-the-art library sector that offers innovative services to the local population. "For the first time in the history of MetLib, we are honored to welcome colleagues and representatives from libraries in the Gulf region, namely from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain." Senior representatives from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), which represents the global voice of the library and information services professions, also attended the conference. Corrado Di Tillo, standing committee chair of the Metropolitan Libraries Section in IFLA, said: "Qatar National Library has demonstrated an exceptional delivery of information services and is on its way to becoming a knowledge hub in Qatar and the region. In the conference's 48-year history, this is the first time that it is being hosted in the MENA region, where cultural heritage and astonishing futuristic innovation co-exist. MetLib 2016 marks a very special year for the conference and IFLA, as it expands its global representation, ushering in a new era for libraries in the Middle East." Through hosting MetLib 2016, Qatar National Library supports Qatar Foundation's aim to unlock human potential for the benefit of Qatar and the world by fostering a progressive society in line with the nation's priorities. — SG
