Beyond Books: House of Wisdom Expands Scope of Services and Resources to enrich Learning of Members

Members now have access to resources from international libraries, can loan electronic devices, and request research assistance services to browse the vast digital and physical collections
 

Sharjah, 17 February, 2023:  With more than half a million traditional and digital knowledge resources, the House of Wisdom aligns with Sharjah’s quest to develop a knowledge-based society. This immersive space for learning, sharing, and creating has been nurturing a culture of creativity and innovation in the emirate since it began welcoming visitors in December 2020.

By anchoring the community and bringing people of different cultures, interests, and aspirations together, the iconic social and futurist hub has emerged as a destination for new-age learning, as it adapts and responds to the evolving needs of users by expanding relevant amenities and services throughout the year.

Housed within the modern architectural edifice are 92,000 volumes lining its shelves that allow readers to expand and grow their knowledge. An additional 12,000 titles comprising rare and carefully selected publications on the history of Arab and Islamic art and architecture - including two-century-old, limited edition works - were donated last year by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Another donation by HH include a valuable collection of 646 titles in French, some of which are rare.

Unique digital titles number around 384,000 and over a million thesis. In addition, around 34,000 journals and 56,000 videos have been enriching the knowledge of residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

The House of Wisdom also boosts multi-purpose halls for seminars, symposiums, training, and workshops. The flexible and expansive lobby doubles up as a space for events and talks, while its seven private pods can be pre-booked for individual or collaborative work.

Fulfilling its vision as a space to discover and learn, the House of Wisdom is equipped with a range of amenities and services designed to foster deep engagement with the arts, sciences, and across all disciplines.

Browsing made easy with Research Assistance
Today, members can avail of personalised one-on-one guidance – that goes beyond the normal book search and retrieval assistance - to make effective use of the vast physical and digital collections. The Research Assistance service facilitates the process of browsing and connecting with new resources and expedites the search for specialised databases or e-Resources to further one’s research or study.

Access to resources from global libraries
A unique resource-sharing service further facilitates access of patrons to a wide range of materials from libraries in the UAE and from those around the world through its Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service. Members can borrow books, articles, and multi-media resources, including hard-to-find items, for a duration specified by the loaning library.

To request access to resources outside the House of Wisdom, users must submit a request form with specific information such as title, author, journal volume, etc. Print materials may take up to 15 days for delivery while digital resources can be accessed from anywhere between a few hours to a week.

Electronic devices on loan
With an innovative Laptop/Tablet Dispenser, the House of Wisdom makes technology available to all patrons at any time. Members can access high-value electronic devices at self-service kiosks that store laptops and tablets to ensure that users can learn and get connected to assist with research, presentations, and writing needs. 

The auto charging device dispenser is secure and simple to use and guarantees confidentiality of user data. Members can loan a device on presentation of membership QR code to the library staff. Devices are loaned for non-renewable 3-hour slots for a small fee.

Unlimited access to audiobooks
The growing collection of audiobooks, including fiction and nonfiction, at the House of Wisdom is accessible to members around the clock through smartphones, tablets, and computers. Both Android and iPhone users can access the audiobooks collection via http://houseofwisdom.lib.overdrive.com/.
Members can place on hold titles currently in use by others and will receive a notification when the audiobook becomes available to borrow. All audiobook titles are automatically ‘returned’ to HoW on the due date and members will not incur any late return fees.