The BA Electronic Catalog is an online database of all information resources and collections available at Library; such as books, periodicals, references, maps, theses, and multimedia materials. The course provides information on how to search in this database and obtain best results using different types of search.

The library offers orientation sessions to all new and returning Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) patrons. These sessions are designed to acquaint users with the physical layout of the building and standard library services, as well as to inform them of the variety of information resources available for their researching needs.

Through the orientation program, patrons will briefly learn about the new BA cultural complex, Conference Center facilities and activities, the BA research centers, library services, policies, collections and facilities within the Main Library and specialized libraries, and much more.

The course introduces the different characteristics and contents of databases available at the BA. It focuses on how to formulate accurate and effective strategies to search the electronic databases according to each type, and their associated services. The course also provides information on the preview and access to search results, either full texts or other available information.

The course will enable patrons to use the Internet efficiently. Through in-depth lectures, patrons will be introduced to different Internet services. They will learn extensively about different web search tools, including search engines, directories, and meta search engines. 

The topics that will be covered include searching techniques, search engines and directories, and a study of Internet applications in libraries and information agencies.

The course defines reference materials and gives an overview of the different types of references and how to retrieve information using the BA reference collection. This course includes a lecture and hands-on practice.