New Central Library

 

First: Motives and Objectives:

Within the framework of the policy of developing and modernizing Cairo University in an attempt to equip it with all features of the twenty first century, including Information and Communication Revolution, Cairo University Administration has prioritized the issue of developing and modernizing the Central Library.

On February 24, 1994 , and on the occasion of renovating Ahmed Lotfi Al Sayed Hall, at the University Administration, First Lady, Suzanne Mubarak, who conceded to attend the inauguration of this hall drew attention to the renovation and modernization of the university library. She, likewise, promised to muster all potentials to make this project materialize.

In a response to this grand directive, President of Cairo University, Prof. Dr. Mufid Shehab issued a decree to form a highly specialized committee, comprising all experts in the field. This committee was headed by Cairo University Vice President for Higher Studies Prof. Dr. Farouk Ismail.

Considering the status quo of Cairo University Central Library, established in 1932, it is clear that the library has duly performed its assigned role. However, the new developments in the world of information and libraries; the emergence of new scientific specializations; the increasing number of students; and the establishment of new faculties have made it necessary for the comprehensive development of the library.

The current Central Library of Cairo University is composed of two floors as well as the ground floor, which consists of three levels. The ground floor includes the technical processes room (indices – classification – provision – periodicals); photocopying and binding room; and researchers room. The first floor includes: halls of manuscripts, oriental studies, foreign studies, indices, checking out, computer, and stores of Arabic and foreign books.

Second floor includes halls for references and the blind; university theses; and rooms of library administration.

Information forms and media available now at the Central Library include printed materials; books; periodicals; references; university theses; manuscripts and rare books; audio materials in halls for the blind; microfilming and microfiching.

The higher committee assigned with studying the New Central Library Project held meetings over the last two years. It studied the status quo of the Central Library and came up with the fact that renovating and modernizing the present library is not practical. The committee also drew attention to the significance of establishing a new central library to meet future requirements.

Accordingly, there was an agreement after the meetings held by university president, university vice presidents, university secretary – general to establish a new central library, through which the university invades the coming century. The current headquarters of the Central Library will be modernized and allocated as a specialized library for Faculty of Arts. The Council of Cairo University agreed on 31/7/1996 to establish a new central library and take the required measures.

Prof. Dr. Ali Raafat, Professor of Architect, Faculty of Engineering prepared a blueprint of the new central library under the supervision of Professor Dr. Farouk Ismail, Cairo University Vice President for Higher Studies and Research Affairs and Head of the two committees on establishments and university libraries.

Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Mufid Shehab, Cairo University President, a comprehensive study of the proposed new Cairo University Central Library was made.

Following are the objectives of establishing a new Cairo University Central Library:

1-     Providing undergraduates with developed library service.

2-     Meeting the needs of higher studies and scientific research in terms of books, periodicals and new sources of information.

3-     Meeting the needs of common readers and researchers who do not belong to the university.

4-     Integrating the varied libraries of faculties and the university library.

5-     Linking the Central Library with great libraries and world specialized information centers.

6-     Integrating the New Central Library with the new and developed great libraries in Egypt .

7-     Linking Cairo University with world movement of scientific research and higher studies by exploiting information and communication technology to connect the new library with varied world information institutions, such as libraries and international and regional information centers, networks and banks.

Second: Technical Services and Aspects

The most prominent technical features of the New Central Library are:

1-      Utilizing computers in managing the library either technically or administratively within an integrated system.

2-      Creating an internal network between information systems and the new library services; linking it with internal and external libraries; and connecting it with the Internet.

3-      Possessing unconventional information media, such as CD-ROMS.

4-      Providing blind researchers with library information service.

5-      Preparing orientation programs for library frequenters.

6-      Paying attention to preserving, manuscripts and storing them on CD-ROMS.

7-      Expanding the scope of service to external researchers.

8-      Providing the following information services:

·        General index search service on direct line.

·        Elective information search service.

·        Acquaintance with current information service.

·        Search service in different databases (through possessing it on CD-ROMS or through subscription).

·        Document procurement service.

·        Linkage to sources of information service.

·        Replying to enquiries service.

·        Service of preparing and publishing indices, circulars and abstracts.

·        Scientific translation service.

·        Holding conferences and symposia service.