Organized by Naseej Academy on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, a webinar entitled “How to Apply the Lean Approach in Libraries” was a remarkable success, attracting participants from across the Arab world.
The webinar was moderated by Dr. Amal Mostafa, Professor of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Arts, Cairo University. Dr. Mostafa also works as Associate Professor, Deanship of Library Affairs, and a member of the quality and accreditation (learning resources) team at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University-IAU, Saudi Arabia. She has worked as an academic in the library and information science field for more than 20 years. She has published widely on different areas of library science research, including the lean approach, sustainable development, green libraries, altmetrics, and the use of LibQual to evaluate library services.
The webinar attracted a large number of librarians and information specialists from libraries and information centers across the Arab world, including: Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Jeddah University, Prince Sultan University, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Dubai Public Libraries – Dubai Culture, United Arab Emirates University, Dubai Judicial Institute, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University – Dubai, Sultan Qaboos University, Zewail City of Science and Technology, German University in Cairo, Essa Cultural Center – Bahrain, Library of Al-Abbas Holy Shrine, Baghdad University, General Secretariat of the Central Library, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Princess Sumaya University – Jordan, Université Mohamed Khider Biskra – Algeria, Constantine University and Sana'a University.
By means of an interactive environment, the moderator provided participants with significant information on the importance of applying the lean approach in libraries. Participants were briefed on the basic principles of the lean approach, the types of waste that occurs across various activities in libraries, and how the new approach can secure both qualitative and quantitative benefits for libraries by reducing that waste. Participants were also updated on the best practices for applying the lean approach in libraries, using illustrative examples of libraries that have adopted the method, as well as the challenges, inherent in its application and ways to overcome them.
At the conclusion of the webinar, several participants raised queries that indicated their great interest in the topic. The participants also expressed their deep appreciation for Naseej Academy’s ongoing efforts to organize such valuable events. Most of them expressed an interest in following up and taking part in future events and activities.
