Using library events, exhibitions and technology to inspire your art library visitors

Abstract

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Library is using events, technology, and exhibitions to attract and influence patrons. MIA Library opened its doors six years ago to a society with a limited background in libraries, and no clear definition of Islamic Art, which meant a moderate number of visitors. Currently, the Library has an average of 2000-3000 visitors per month, including school students who participate in Library programs; Tourists visit to inquire about art and culture; Private Collectors, Curators; educators, academics, and artists who conduct research into Islamic Art and find inspiration from Islamic art books.

The MIA Library and its patrons have a mutually symbiotic relationship that influences each other to continually answer the community’s needs. A museum library's main role is to serve the museum staff, but it has a vital role toward the public (Benedetti, 2007). MIA Library takes responsibility for developing events and investing its resources to fulfil needs of the Qatari community. The Library runs an average of eight events per month that are originated by the library staff or initiated by the visitors. Further, the implementation of technology is essential to provide and enhance access to library resources to answer the needs of the patrons. Technology is used to market events via Social Media and their website; provide support for research via the OPAC and electronic resources, and digitization of important rare books and manuscripts.

This paper includes an introduction to the MIA library and its context. It presents relevant literature around the subject of art museum libraries. It also illustrates the use of events, exhibitions and technology in relation to resources versus results. Finally, there is discussion and analysis to support future strategic planning for MIA Library.