What’s Happening at the National Library During Book Week?
Shahabi, in an interview with an Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) correspondent, elaborated on the National Library’s activities for the 33rd National Book Week: The ‘Iranology and Islamology’ book exhibition, along with reference works acquired this year for the library, will be displayed in the Iranology Hall during this event. The books are in Latin, as according to the legal deposit law, a number of Latin works for the fields of Islamology and Iranology must be purchased annually in addition to Persian books.
He announced the holding of a conference to familiarize new publishers with the FIPA (Cataloging in Publication) and legal deposit processes, adding: Approximately 350 new publishers who received their publishing licenses in 1403 (Persian calendar year) and the first half of this year have been invited by the library. However, about 250 publishers have announced their participation in this conference, which will be held on Monday (November 16th) at the National Library.
The Deputy of the National Library continued by explaining that the ‘Challenges of Reading’ session, focusing on issues and problems related to reading, has been publicly announced: This session will be held on Monday (November 16th) with the presence of three specialists in the field of study and reading in one of the library’s conference halls. A while ago, a questionnaire was designed in virtual space and sent to members and a number of librarians. Statistical data has been collected based on it and can be analyzed in this session, along with its responses.
He also spoke about donating books to a number of schools in deprived areas on the outskirts of Tehran, stating: According to the National Library law, a book donation campaign is carried out by National Library librarians, along with educational aids, to children studying in these schools. The next program is a 50% discount on the 150,000 Toman membership fee, which is offered during Book Week for membership renewal and new members of the National Library.
Shahabi, stating that a program related to reading and familiarity with book restoration and preservation will be held for children on Tuesday (November 17th), said: These children will be invited from deprived areas. Several children’s reading experts, who are librarians of the National Library, will have programs for them in the library’s Children’s Hall. Also, members who visit the library during Book Week can bring their children, so that while they go to the main hall, their children can use the resources in the Children’s Hall. Furthermore, the Children’s Hall, as an example, is a library that is frequently visited by many children’s libraries across the country. The arrangement and interior design of the Children’s Hall for resource collection, and the resources we have in the children’s section, are notable. There are nearly 450,000 copies of books related to children’s literature, which researchers in the field of children’s studies use.
He also mentioned another program of the National Library during Book Week: attracting active members to provide voluntary services through a call for users with visual impairments, adding: We have a library for the visually impaired at the National Library, a standard library with the necessary equipment for the blind. It has always been the case that some members of the National Library have been active volunteers to provide services to visually impaired individuals; for example, reading books for them or helping those who are working on dissertations and research find resources. Those who were willing to cooperate filled out forms and became active members, whose help we utilize whenever needed throughout the year.
Shahabi announced the holding of a manuscript exhibition titled “Travelogues of Orientalists” in the manuscript hall section throughout the week, adding: A number of manuscript travelogues by non-Iranians who visited Iran will be displayed. Additionally, digital versions will be made available virtually on the website. Tours for National Library members and individuals interested in visiting the library’s technical and specialized services sections, such as cataloging and book organization departments, will be held during Book Week. This is to familiarize members with the library’s service processes. The library is not just about study halls; many other activities are underway at the National Library that not everyone might be familiar with.
Regarding the implementation of the book exchange program for read books among members and colleagues of the National Library, he stated: This activity had been suspended for several years, but this year, individuals can bring their read books to hand them over and exchange or circulate books among themselves again.
Shahabi announced the honoring of exemplary librarians and active publishers, adding: Three donors, three top publishers, and ten exemplary librarians will be honored at the National Library’s Book Week ceremony. Publishers active in the field of FIPA and legal deposit, as well as donors of manuscripts to the National Library or personal printed collections, will be recognized.
