Open sources software in libraries forum held
Forum aims to update on speciality applications, initiatives
Dec 26: An Open Sources Software in Libraries and Information Centers Forum was organised by Oman Library and Information Association at Nizwa Cultural Center on Monday.
In his speech, Waleed bin Ali al Badi, president of the association, said: “The forum is aimed at keeping ourselves updated on speciality applications, programmes and initiatives.”
It was aimed at facilitating work, improving quality, reducing repetition, saving costs and integration between institutions, he said.
“There is a permanent cooperation between the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information and the Oman Library and Information Association for strengthening professional relationships,” he added.
Dr Khalid al Halabi, Head of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, referred to the increasing importance of open source software.
He spoke about the risks to libraries from destruction as a result of natural disasters or those caused by human conflicts and wars.
He stressed the importance of developing human capabilities for dealing with libraries that can preserve contents of books, documents and manuscripts.
“Libraries are not only places for storing books, but also social and intellectual forums and places for exchanging experiences.”
The forum included working papers. In the first working paper, Khalid al Husseini and Mohammed al Shariqi spoke about library management programmes, and reviewed the experience of Al Shomoukh Fort Library.
The second working paper was on Omani research warehouse by Dr Jamal bin Yousef al Salmi, chairman of the Information Studies Department at Sultan Qaboos University.
The third working paper was by Abdel Fattah bin Muslim al Abri. He talked about smart applications in libraries.
The fourth working paper, by Dr Saleh bin Sulaiman al Zuhaimi, was on the reality of applying open source software in Omani university libraries.
Those who presented the working papers as well as the sponsors were honoured.