Bibliotheca Alexandrina: Comprehensive Profile

Background

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA), inaugurated on October 16, 2002, stands as a modern homage to the ancient Library of Alexandria, once the world's preeminent center of learning. Situated on the Mediterranean coastline in Alexandria, Egypt, the BA is dedicated to reviving the spirit of openness and scholarship that characterized its predecessor. Its mission is to serve as a center of excellence in the production and dissemination of knowledge, fostering dialogue, learning, and understanding among cultures and peoples.

Key Strategic Focus

The BA's strategic objectives are multifaceted:

• Global and Local Cultural Exchange: Acting as the world's window on Egypt and Egypt's window on the world, the BA facilitates cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

• Digital Leadership: Positioning itself as a leading institution in the digital age, the BA emphasizes the integration of technology in knowledge dissemination.

• Educational Hub: Serving as a center for learning, tolerance, dialogue, and understanding, the BA offers diverse programs and resources to a global audience.

Financials and Funding

The construction of the BA was a significant financial undertaking, with costs totaling approximately $220 million. Funding was sourced from various international donors, including substantial contributions from Middle Eastern and North African countries. Notably, in 2009, the Bibliothèque nationale de France donated 500,000 books, enhancing the BA's Francophone collection and making it one of the largest in the world.

Pipeline Development

As a non-commercial entity, the BA's development focuses on expanding its collections, enhancing digital resources, and initiating cultural and educational projects. Recent initiatives include the launch of the "Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Award," a prestigious global cultural and scientific accolade reflecting the Library's historical and contemporary significance.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The BA distinguishes itself through several technological and innovative platforms:

• Digital Assets Repository (DAR): Developed by the International School of Information Science (ISIS) at the BA, DAR is a system designed to create and maintain digital library collections, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

• Culturama: A 180-degree panoramic interactive computer screen, Culturama offers an immersive educational experience, showcasing Egypt's cultural heritage through nine synchronized projectors.

• Espresso Book Machine: The BA provides access to print-on-demand books, allowing users to obtain physical copies of digital texts efficiently.

Leadership Team

The BA is governed by a Council of Patrons, a Board of Trustees, and a Director. The founding director was Ismail Serageldin, who served until May 2017. He was succeeded by Mostafa El Feki, a professor and former diplomat. The current director is Ahmed Abdullah Zayed.

Leadership Changes

In May 2017, Mostafa El Feki was appointed as the director of the BA, succeeding Ismail Serageldin. El Feki's tenure focused on enhancing the library's role as a cultural and educational hub. The current director, Ahmed Abdullah Zayed, continues to build upon these foundations.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

As a unique institution, the BA operates in a niche market of global cultural and educational centers. Its focus on digital innovation and cultural preservation positions it distinctively within the international library and cultural institution landscape.

Competitor Analysis

While the BA's mission and structure are unique, comparable institutions include:

• Library of Congress (USA): As the largest library in the world, it serves as a research arm for the U.S. Congress and houses millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts.

• National Library of Israel: Serving as the repository of the cultural treasures of Israel and the Jewish people worldwide, it holds extensive collections in various languages.

• National Library of Australia: As the country's largest reference library, it maintains a comprehensive collection of Australian materials and significant holdings of general interest.

These institutions share a commitment to preserving cultural heritage and providing public access to knowledge, though each operates within its unique national and cultural context.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The BA has established numerous collaborations to enhance its offerings:

• Bibliothèque nationale de France: The donation of 500,000 books significantly enriched the BA's Francophone collection.

• Internet Archive: A partnership that included a donation of $5 million, encompassing 10 billion web pages, 2,000 hours of television broadcasts, and a book scanning facility.

• UNESCO: Played a pivotal role in the establishment and design of the BA, organizing an international architectural competition and supporting its mission.

Operational Insights

The BA's operations are characterized by:

• Architectural Excellence: Designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta, the building features a distinctive circular design with a sloped roof, symbolizing the sun rising over the Mediterranean.

• Sustainability: Over 80% of the building materials were locally sourced, and the design emphasizes natural lighting and ventilation, reflecting environmental considerations.