GOAL

(General Organization of Alexandria Library)

The logo comprises three elements: the rising sun, the sea and the lighthouse. The rising sun symbolizes the idea of continuity of life and civilization with the perpetual sunrise from the sea bringing forth life and radiance on the land of Egypt and beyond. The sea represents the location of the city of Alexandria as the 'pearl' of the Mediterranean. The Pharos Lighthouse, which was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world depicts the Greco-Roman, Alexandria.

General Organization of Alexandria Library (GOAL)

Presidential Decree

No. 523 for the year 1988

General Organization of Alexandria Library (GOAL) was established in 1988 by President Mubarak's Decree forming the Organization, and including the appointments of the Board of Directors and the post of the Executive Director.

Objectives of GOAL

The establishment of the infrastructure of the Library of Alexandria, and acting as a Representative of the Government of Egypt in negotiations and all other technical, financial and administrative affairs; the implementation of the Project's advice and technical support. To adopt the hierarchical organization and structure of grades, levels, posts, tasks and the organizational chart of the employees, establishing the regulations and remuneration for employees. Fund raising and public relations for the Library of Alexandria, and acceptance of contributions, donations, gifts, bequest, and trusts.

Implementation of GOAL

It established its first offices in a building belonging to Alexandria University in 1990, and later began its collaboration with the Executive Secretariat of the Project at the new headquarters in the Shallalat Building in 1992. It was instrumental in providing the Experts and support for the furbishment of the new premises according to the needs of the project Executive Secretariat and of GOAL staff.

Since its inception, it began the implementation of human resource development program by hiring the required members of staff and providing them with the necessary training, on the job, in local institutions or through scholarships abroad. The purchases of books for the new library began in 1990, gradually increasing the volume to 30,000/year, trying to accomplish the 200,000 promised for the inauguration. It has also established depository agreements with certain agencies and institutions for receiving their publications.

Many valuable collections and rare books were acquired through gifts and exchange programs with other individuals and institutions.

The GOAL librarians have had on-going training programs, by Egyptians, as well as by international, experts. Purchases of equipment for library use has been made through various UNESCO projects (534/EGY/80 - Italian FIT and UNDP EGY/88/003).

They now are working on the Bibliotheca Alexandrina OPAC (On-line Public Access Catalogue) by cataloguing all library acquisitions electronically. A publication of their newest listings is printed out periodically. In addition, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina participates in the Cairo International Book Fair, to promote its progress and activities, and to identify books newly published for acquisition. The Restoration Laboratory established at the Executive Secretariat Headquarters in 1995, is a contribution from the Italian Government through the UNESCO FIT project, for the preservation of human heritage. GOAL staff working in the Lab has attended various training, both on the job and other, by international Experts.

They are now restoring selected manuscripts from the Municipal Library, and in due time will start restoring manuscripts from the library of Sidi El Mursi Abu El Abass. A team of GOAL staff members are working at the Municipal Library and the library of Sidi El Mursi Abu El Abass to catalogue the manuscripts found there as partners in the national program for the preservation of the heritage of Egypt. A Microfilm Department was also set up at the Executive Secretariat Headquarters to help in the conservation/preservation program. GOAL leadership built and maintained the bilateral and multi-lateral agreements between the Egyptian Government and other countries, which are resulting in the contributions of money, books or other, to the Library project.

GOAL leadership has acted as Representative of the Government of Egypt in all the contract negotiations with the Consultant, the Contractors, and for all affairs related to the Library project. The GOAL budget was increased after the signature of the Design and Supervision Contracts to include payment of the consultancy services.
It is also administering the payments of the two contractors for Phase #1
and Phase #2.