Jordan Times
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Iraqi librarians trained
on modern book categorisation methods
AMMAN (JT) — Libraries in Iraq have a lot of catching up to do, according to one
Iraqi book distribution agent.
Issam Mahmoud, regional director of Trans-Middle East International Distribution
Company, said the 15-year UN embargo on Iraq caused a lag not only in the
acquisition of books, but also in the categorisation and management of volumes
in the country's libraries.
Mahmoud said the current system of categorisation in Iraqi libraries relies on
traditional systems using card catalogues rather than the computer- based
categorisation systems now used by most libraries around the world.
The whole world knows that Iraq needs more books, but they are not aware that
Iraqi librarians need to learn about modern technology used in advanced
libraries, he said.
According to Mahmoud, updating Iraqi libraries is not an easy process. They need
new books, scientific journals, updated software and librarians experienced in
the field of computer databasing, he added.
To that end, the company, together with Al Thakira (an Iraqi bookshop), held a
free training workshop this week for 15 librarians from Iraq's higher learning
institutions. During the four-day course, participants were acquainted with the
latest international technological advancements and computer information systems
for categorisation in libraries, and introduced to e-libraries.
Mahmoud, a former econometrics professor, highlighted the importance of
introducing e-libraries in Iraqi universities so students and scholars could
access scientific journals online. He said the cost of subscribing to
e-libraries could range from $50,000 to $70,000 for each university.
The workshop participants also visited the University of Jordan library and were
briefed on the system for checking out books using serial numbers on
identification cards. They said the simple procedure made categorising and
keeping track of books seem like an effortless task.
The Iraqi librarians came from the Foundation of Technological Education (which
includes 36 colleges and institutes) and Al Nahrein University, formerly known
as Saddam University.
There are 20 governmental universities and nine private universities in Iraq.
This was the second workshop held by the company. The first workshop was held in
Amman and Cairo: Eight librarians were trained here then taken to the Cairo
International Book Fair. The company is planning to organise more training
workshops in the future, Mahmoud added.