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Browse Library FAQs

Are there notebooks in the library?

we do not have notebooks available for purchase or loan at the library. 
 
Best regards,
Reference Librarian
Callima Service Team
Library Sector
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
 

Main Library Services
Last Updated: 08 April 2026 | 0

I need to check Al-Ahram issues since 1876 till 1953?

Al-Ahram newspaper’s old issues are available at the BA as microfilm. To access them, Please head to the Manuscripts reading room of the Manuscripts Museum to access our Microfilm collections.
 
Best regards,
Reference Librarian
Callima Service Team
Library Sector
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
 

Bibliotheca Alexandrina Collection
Last Updated: 08 April 2026 | 0

Does the Library have a three volume set of Biblia Sacra Arabica published in Rome in 1671.

Dear Sir,
Kindly note that, we don't have this book in our collection.
Best regards,
Reference Librarian
Callima Service Team
Library Sector
Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Main Library Catalog Search
Last Updated: 08 April 2026 | 0

WHAT COURSES CAN I TAKE FOR BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING MAJOR

Thank you for contacting us. Please note that we do not offer such courses. However, you can find related resources in our collection through this link.
You may also follow our official Facebook page for updates and announcements.

Best regards,
Reference Librarian
Callima Service Team
Library Sector
Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Last Updated: 08 April 2026 | 0

What are the limits of downloading/printing documents from the subscribed electronic resources?

In order to ensure full respect and abiding to the copyright laws, only limited amounts of any information resource can be saved (by downloading or printing).
The following restrictions are based on the Library’s policy to limit the possibility of copyright breach: - Only 20% of a given ebook title or thesis can be saved, or as indicated by the databases itself. - Only one article per issue of a given journal title can be saved.
 
Best regards,
Reference Librarian
Callima Service Team
Library Sector
Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Bibliotheca Alexandrina Policies
Last Updated: 08 April 2026 | 0

Can I reserve a book for tomorrow?

Yes, you can reserve a maximum of four books (if you are a researcher) till the following day maximum to 2:00pm.
 
Best regards,
Reference Librarian
Callima Service Team
Library Sector
Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Last Updated: 08 April 2026 | 0

I need a book which the library hasn’t got. What can I do?

You can fill in an acquisition form available at the General Information Desk, which is then directed to the BA Collection Development Unit, and they will be studying the possibility of acquiring the suggested title with respect to the Library’s Collection Development Policy.
 
Best regards,
Reference Librarian
Callima Service Team
Library Sector
Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Last Updated: 08 April 2026 | 0

Why should I photocopy only 20% from any book?

In order to ensure full respect and abiding to the copyright laws, only limited amounts of any information resource can be photocopied/scanned/printed. The amount of 20% is based on the library’s policy to limit the possibility of copyright breach.
 
Best regards,
Reference Librarian
Callima Service Team
Library Sector
Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Bibliotheca Alexandrina Policies
Last Updated: 08 April 2026 | 0

Why can’t I download from DAR?

Only some of our Arabic books are digitized and available online on our Digital Access Repository (DAR) (dar.bibalex.org). Due to copyright restrictions, only the first 5% of the total number of the book pages are accessible from outside the library premises. However, due to the library policy, none of the collections on DAR can be downloaded.
 
Best regards,
Reference Librarian
Callima Service Team
Library Sector
Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Last Updated: 08 April 2026 | 0

How shall I download articles?

Reserve a computer at the Reservation Desk at the Main Library entrance, or bring your personal laptop/mobile device and connect to the Library WiFi network: BA_Guest. You can access the Library’s e-collections by browsing the list of databases from the e-resources link on our webpage: www.bibalex.org/libraries, you can then browse the collections by database title, or journal title.
You can also use our Library Discovery Search Facility Discover@BA from within the same webpage. If you are using your personal device, you can download the articles in PDF/HTML formats to your PC drives. If you are using the Library PCs, you will need to be a Library member to access a personal folder named “My Space” (30MB) which you can use to save your downloaded articles (PDF, HTML formats, etc).
You can later email the files saved on “My Space” to an email address.
 
Best regards,
Reference Librarian
Callima Service Team
Library Sector
Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Last Updated: 08 April 2026 | 0