The National Archives and Library present the latest developments and ongoing efforts to enhance its status as a cultural and civilizational beacon, contributing to preserving Emirati heritage, documenting the nation's history, and reflecting the UAE's role in safeguarding intellectual and cultural heritage. The Acting Director of the National Archives and Library, Dr. Hamad Al-Mutairi, during a dialogue session organized by the Archives, emphasized that the National Library is a strategic institution in building a knowledge society due to its importance in providing information access and supporting scientific research. He noted that the developments in the library include its collections, modern technologies, and operational methods in accordance with the law and its executive regulations, contributing to building a comprehensive information system that highlights the thought and culture of the UAE. Meanwhile, the Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department, Hamad Al-Hamiri, reviewed the National Library's journey since the law integrating it into the National Archives at the end of 2021, stating that this step enhanced its role as a pivotal institution contributing to building a comprehensive national information system. He touched upon the importance of controlling the national bibliography of the country's intellectual output, creating the Emirati Authority File, and developing technical operations and services through an interconnected network of libraries nationwide. He highlighted the preparation of national standard specifications and guidelines for collecting documentary heritage in coordination with relevant bodies, alongside implementing the legal deposit system for all publications in the country. Al-Hamiri explained that the library has made significant progress in establishing international partnerships, particularly in the International Standard Serial Numbering (ISSN) field, with the National Archives and Library becoming the responsible entity in the UAE for this. He added that key initiatives include launching programs for academic missions in library sciences, with the first cohort nearing graduation, and implementing innovative projects involving collection building and launching International Standard Book Number (ISBN) services. In turn, the head of the library's digital transformation project, Dr. Riad Ben Laalim, presented a technical and artistic overview of the development of the National Library's digital infrastructure.
