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Ali Mohamed Al Matroshi


                •  Scholar Ibrahim bin Nassar bin Ibrahim Al Shemmari (died 2001).

                •  Abdullah bin Hamad bin Khalifa Bu Shehab (died 1982).


                II - Libraries in Stage II (1958-1971):
                The characteristic of this stage can be identified as follows:

                The adoption of modern education by local government and the public was seen
                as a way of improving the quality of life and building a prosperous future. Modern
                education, through its curriculum, teachers and activities, paved the way for students
                to  study  all  sorts  of  sciences  and  arts,  and  to  specialize  in  different  branches  of
                knowledge.  Therefore, it was necessary to make available the cultural material that
                meets different needs, hones skills and fulfills the quest for knowledge.

                An  accelerated  cultural  movement  began  to  emerge  in  the  late  1960s  with  the
                enhancement of the educational output, and it was evident in the different cultural
                centers  that  mushroomed  in  the  Emirate  (modern  schools,  sports  clubs,  public
                libraries, private libraries, local radio).

                There was an increase in the number of educated people, which reflected positively
                on the advancement of thought and cultural awareness. Educated people assumed
                prominent social positions, and society moved towards the dissemination of education
                and culture through the opening of public and school libraries.

                Communication  with  the  outside  world  increased,  especially  with  those  Arab
                countries which enjoyed advanced education, publishing and media industries at the
                time, mainly Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq and Kuwait. Such communications resulted in an
                abundance and variety of printed materials suitable for different levels and ages; such
                as books and newspapers, magazines and bulletins, in addition to a few audio and
                visual materials. This led to gradual shifts in cultural tendencies and trends, because
                of interaction with diverse cultural movements.

                There was diversity of the founders of library, including individuals, organizations
                and governments, as well as diversity in the types of libraries ranging from public,
                private and school libraries to specialized and general libraries.  Thus, libraries were
                no longer confined to the exclusive use of their owners,  but have rather been directly
                used by the general public who now have free access.

                The following are the most important libraries that emerged in stage II:


                First: Private Libraries:
                Several private libraries were established by religious scholars and students of Shari’a,

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