Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Abstract

This article introduces the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina as a cultural and knowledge institution seeking to serve as a window from the world onto Egypt, a window from Egypt onto the world, and a center capable of meeting the digital challenge. It presents the library’s vision for engaging with the information and communication revolution through technological and knowledge-based projects, including a union catalogue of manuscripts, the digital library, Internet Archive initiatives, interlibrary exchange, and electronic services for researchers and the public. The article also discusses the library’s role in presenting cultural and environmental heritage and expanding access to knowledge through the Internet, databases, and digital materials. It highlights the importance of international partnerships, particularly cooperation with the Internet Archive, in preserving digital memory and providing access to texts, images, films, and archival materials. The article also refers to the “Memory of Modern Egypt” project as an effort to collect documents and materials related to modern Egyptian history. It concludes that Bibliotheca Alexandrina represents an Arab library model that combines heritage preservation, access to knowledge, and engagement with global digital transformations.