Under the patronage of the President of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Professor Dr. Hassan Latif Al-Zubaidi, and under the supervision of the Assistant President of the University for Scientific Affairs, Professor Dr. Ahmed Ghanim Wadai, and in coordination between the Department of Scholarships and Cultural Relations at the University Presidency and Iranian universities to activate international memoranda of understanding and enhance frameworks of joint scientific cooperation, a delegation of library secretaries from the Presidency and affiliated formations of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University visited the University of Tehran.
The delegation was headed by Assistant Professor Dr. Sahira Ayed Al-Mousawi, with the aim of developing professional skills and exploring the advanced infrastructure and software systems adopted in the management of Iranian libraries.
The visit included an extensive field tour of the Central Library at the University of Tehran to observe the workflow across its various departments, as well as an introductory session delivered by Dr. Rasoul Jafarian, Director of the Central Library at the University of Tehran. During the session, he highlighted the library’s collections, which comprise approximately 1.5 million diverse information resources, including printed and electronic books, scientific journals, theses and dissertations, manuscripts, and valuable historical documents, some of which date back to the seventeenth century.
Additionally, the delegation reviewed modern logistical and technological systems, including the comprehensive digital cataloging system, the adoption of the Dewey Decimal Classification alongside a dedicated local classification system, and became acquainted with the applied circulation mechanisms and the flexible working-hour system aimed at facilitating search and retrieval processes and improving the quality of services provided to beneficiaries.
The visit also witnessed in-depth dialogues and discussions among the participants, addressing the current state of library operations at the university and its formations. Views and expertise were exchanged between both sides to enhance opportunities for transferring best practices and employing them in the development of service and knowledge performance of the university libraries.
This visit comes within the framework of the university’s commitment to academic openness and benefiting from distinguished international experiences, in a manner that positively contributes to advancing the status of university libraries and their scientific and research services.
