Organizing a seminar on the national library as a strategic institution for building a knowledge society,
The National Library and Archives Emphasizes the Role of the National Library in Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The National Library and Archives organized a seminar titled “The National Library: A Strategic Institution for Building a Knowledge Society”. It underscored the importance of the national library in providing access to information and knowledge, supporting scientific research, and promoting culture and knowledge.
The seminar, presented by Professor Dr. Hassan Al-Sereihi, explored the defining characteristics of a knowledge society and the pivotal role that societal institutions play in its advancement. It also provided an insightful overview of the contributions national libraries make to this development.
Mr. Hamad Al-Hamiri, Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department at the National Library and Archives, emphasized the responsibility entrusted to national libraries in the production of knowledge. He noted that this responsibility aligns with the great attention paid by our wise leadership to enriching minds and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in an era of rapid technological advancement and digital transformation. He emphasized that libraries have evolved beyond simply being repositories for books; they are now dynamic centres for innovation and community engagement. He added that as libraries continue to be essential sources of knowledge, they are also undergoing a significant transformation driven by the influence of artificial intelligence.
Mr. Al-Hamiri also praised Dr. Hassan Al-Sereihi, Professor of Libraries and Information Science, for his strategic vision regarding the development of libraries and the future of the knowledge and information sector in light of the accelerating technological progress and digital transformation.
Held in Liwa Hall at the headquarters of the National Library and Archives, the seminar began by defining a knowledge society as one that efficiently disseminates, produces, and utilizes knowledge across all areas of community activity. It highlighted the role of knowledge as vital, influential, and effective resource in the daily lives of individuals, society, and public policy. The seminar also noted that knowledge grows and evolves through the participation and engagement of multiple users.
Attended by a large number of experts in library science, the seminar described knowledge society as a globalized society that transcends borders in its production, dissemination and use of information and knowledge for the sake of human development. It outlined the key characteristics of knowledge society, notably its drive for continuous evolution and improvement, its effective use of modern communication technologies for easy and efficient access of information resources and its function within the framework of the information economy. The seminar also underscored the skilful engagement of the knowledge society with smart tools as knowledge is a source of power while humans are the source of production and creativity.
The seminar then addressed the role of national libraries in the development of knowledge society, emphasizing that they are no longer mere warehouses of resources, but dynamic institutions that empower individuals, foster innovation, and preserve collective wisdom. They aim to meet the needs of society, contribute to sustainable development, and cultivate enlightened citizens.
Dr. Al-Sereihi focused on the role and significance of national libraries in advancing the knowledge society. He highlighted their contribution to preserving national heritage, cultural memory, manuscripts, documents, and archives. He indicated that national libraries also facilitate access to information, promote digital literacy, and support learning, teaching and research. Beyond collaborating with universities and research centres, they promote digital inclusion and innovation and lead digitization projects and the development of digital repositories.
National libraries hold significant cultural importance by promoting the information economy and supporting entrepreneurship and open data initiatives. They facilitate free access to information and foster international collaboration with other libraries and institutions. National libraries also contribute to the standardization of indexing systems, standard specifications and practices, while providing education on intellectual property rights. Furthermore, they support the publishing movement, document knowledge, and adopt awareness and education programs on artificial intelligence and its tools. They also play a role in shaping legislation and policies related to knowledge accessibility, availability, and digital standardization.
The seminar also highlighted universities as a key model for the development and progress of the knowledge society. In this context, Dr. Al-Sereihi offered several recommendations to strengthen the role of national libraries. These included developing strategies aligned with new trends, training and developing information and knowledge specialists, creating information and knowledge awareness programs for the public, implementing joint programs, fostering collaboration with community institutions, and enhancing policies and standards to promote excellence and quality.
Dr. Al-Sereihi concluded the seminar by reiterating that while knowledge is indeed a source of power, its true strength is realized through sharing. He emphasized the role of the libraries in increasing information and knowledge culture and empowering individuals to effectively access and utilize knowledge.