Why was my question deleted? Why can’t I find my question and its reply on Callima?
Answer: According to Callima’s 'Terms and Conditions', some questions cannot be answered nor published on 'Callima'' if they contradict with its policy. We do not respond to questions that violates law and public morality.
Also questions that include in its content: incitement to violence, abuse, insult and libel, words and texts racism, defense of war crimes and child abuse, every reason to murder or commit suicide, all that incites discrimination and hatred, or any content that is deemed a violation of intellectual property rights and is published without permission, advertising and commercial messages, all are not responded to.
Please note that in case your question is not answered, you shall be receiving a message from callima@bibalex.org to your e-mail address informing you that your question will not be responded to.
Who can ask questions on Callima?
Answer: This service is available for all internet users of all nationalities, wherever they are, whether or not they are library members at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
How to submit my questions?
Answer: Before asking your question, you will need to log in or create an account in 5 simple steps, then, click on 'Ask a Question' and do the following:
1. Write your question (Your question should be written in English, Arabic or French).
2. Click 'Submit question'.
Can I send attachments?
Answer: If you need to further illustrate your question through adding attachments, you can click on 'Choose Files' below your question, then 'Upload' to upload the desired file(s).
Will my question be visible to other Callima users?
Answer: Your question will not be visible to other 'Callima' users as long as it has not been answered. Once answered by our librarians, it will get published and hence, visible to other users.
Will my personal data appear when my question gets published?
Answer: No, your personal data will not appear when your question gets published.
Can I hide my questions from other users?
Answer: You cannot hide your questions from other users. The purpose of 'Callima' website is to offer as many questions as possible, along their answers, to all users so everyone can benefit most out of such service.
Will my question be edited?
Answer: No, except if it contains spelling mistakes that could affect search later on.
Can I further inquire/comment on the answer to a previous question?
Answer: Yes, you can. You may write your comments in the comments text box below the provided answer.
Can I comment on other users’ questions?
Answer: You cannot add any text comments to other users’ questions, but you can like it by clicking on the like icon.
What should I do if I receive no answer? I have asked a question and have not received an answer yet. Is this normal?
Answer: We answer every question as long as it is within the scope of our service. Librarians are committed to reply within 3 to 7 working days. You will be automatically notified by an e-mail once your question has been answered. If you receive no e-mail within 7 working days,:
• Check 'Callima' directly for the answer to your question. Make sure you are checking the same e-mail address you submitted when creating your account.
• Make sure your inbox is not full. In this case our server will not be able to resend the notification e-mail again.
• Make sure your e-mail server does not classify certain e-mails as spam; in this case, our e-mails may be blocked by the e-mail server.
• Check the 'junk mail' folder in your e-mail as well as the inbox.
If the problem persists, please explain the problem in the 'Contact Us' page while indicating your e-mail address.
How long will the questions remain published on Callima?
Answer: They are kept forever for other 'Callima' users to consult.
How do I become more precise while asking my questions?
Answer: Adding keywords, synonyms, less acronyms, more details, examples, etc. makes your question more precise.
Why I can’t I answer any of the questions on the forum?
Answer: 'Callima' is a questions/answers service and not a discussion forum. However, if you wish to give your opinion on certain questions, or enrich certain answers, feel free to submit your input on our Facebook page: Bibliotheca Alexandrina-Library.
What answers shall I get?
Answer: We shall provide an accurate answer to your question either directly or by referring you to other resources that might help you find what you need.
Who answers?
Answer: Your questions are answered by experienced Reference Librarians from the Bibliotheca Alexandrina who shall be using various ready-reference tools, internet resources, and library-subscribed electronic resources to answer your queries.
When will I receive a reply to my question?
Answer: Librarians are committed to reply within 3 to 7 working days. You will be automatically notified by an e-mail once your question has been answered.
Where can I find the answers?
Answer: To find the answers to your questions either:
- Check your e-mail and click the link in the e-mail notification sent to you.
Or
- Log in to 'Callima', click on 'Search Library FAQs' on top of this page. Choose 'Search My Questions Only' to search for keywords included in your question.
Is there a way to quickly retrieve my message and your response when I access the website a few days later?
Answer: If your question does not appear on the homepage, it doesn’t mean it has disappeared! To find it, click on 'Search Library FAQs' on top of this page and perform an advanced search using keywords included in your question.
I have noticed that the answers to my questions are often incomplete, too general, or too specific.
Answer: The more precise your questions are, the more accurate the answer becomes. Specifying the context of your question, and adding as much details to it, makes it easier for us to understand it and better reply to it.
If our answer remains dissatisfying, please add any further comments you have in the comments text box below the provided answer.