FAQ

  • Why are internet computers restricted to one hour per day?
    The Internet computers are in very high demand by library users. The time limit of one hour per day makes the computers available to more people.

  • How far in advance can I reserve a computer?
    You can make a reservation up to 8 hours in advance. You are only allowed one reservation at a time - multiple reservations are not permitted.

  • How will I know when the session is over?
    The computer will automatically log you off. A warning notice is given 10 minutes before your session is scheduled to end.

  • What if I am early for my computer reservation?
    You must wait until your scheduled time to log on. If you log on early, the computer will require you to cancel any outstanding reservations.

  • What if I am late for my computer reservation?
    Your PC is held for you for 15 minutes past your scheduled time. You will lose the time you are late (up to 15 minutes) from your one hour allotment for the day. If you do not log in within the first 15 minutes of your scheduled time, your reservation is cancelled and the computer made available to other users.

  • I lost my reservation ticket, what am I supposed to do?
    You are kindly requested to refer to the information desk and the librarian will give you another print out of your reservation ticket.

  • I forgot my personal ID, is it possible to use my college ID or other ID instead?
    No, we do not accept anything except personal IDs and passports.

  • If I want to take a break during my session in a study room for some reason and come back after a few minutes, are there any procedures I should follow?
    Yes, you need to inform the reference librarian at the information desk to close the study room until you come back.

  • I need to search for a long list of titles: what am I supposed to do?
    The reference librarian at the information desk will be glad to show you how to search in the BA catalogue, Mmediaview, and any other resources available.

  • The book I'm looking for is not on the shelf: what should I do?
    If you didn't find what you are looking for on the shelf ,you should either check again later to see if it might have been returned or fill out the form at the information desk and we will contact you as soon as we locate the book.

  • Is it possible to read all of the library's books on the computer?
    No, it is not possible to read the library's books on the computer. The BA catalog contains, only bibliographic data, or information about the books.

  • When searching for Audio Visual Material (AV) or books, which number should I look for in order to identify the material?
    For all AV material, you should get the SERIAL NUMBER and for books you should get the CALL NUMBER.

    Some abbreviations concerning the serial numbers:

    VHS: Video
    AT : Audio Tape
    CDR : CD- Rom
    DVD : Digital Video Device
    ACD : Audio CD

  • Can I use any personal AV material in the Arts & Multimedia library study rooms?
    No, only the AV material from the library's collection can be used.

  • Is it permitted to take photos of images in art books using digital cameras?
    Yes it is permitted to use digital cameras and it is free of charge.

  • Am I allowed to take AV material into other parts of the Library?
    No use of AV material is permitted only inside the Arts & Multimedia library study rooms. Only print material are allowed to allowed to be taken into other areas of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

  • I need to watch a certain video tape for educational purposes so I need to be able to Forward and rewind, will that be possible?
    Yes, we have 2 rooms equipped with video players for such purposes.

  • Are there any study rooms designated for use by more than one person ?
    No all study rooms are for single use only.

  • Am I allowed to make copies of any AV material (video tapes- audio tapes- audio cassettes- DVDs)?
    No, making copies to AV material is completely prohibited in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Users can make copies only of print materials.

  • I missed the group show yesterday , Will it be possible to watch the film in an individual study room today?
    You may watch any of the Group Show films in the individual study rooms but not until the following month.

  • Where are the photocopy centers ?
    Photocopy centers are located on levels B2 and B4.

  • Where is the bathroom ?
    The bathroom is on level B1.

  • Are any of the materials in the Arts & Multimedia library for sale?
    No, none of the material is for sale, they are all for in-house use only.

  • We are a group of users and we want to watch a certain film from the library collection, will that be possible?
    Yes, it will be possible to book a group show room to watch a video tape selected within the Arts & Multimedia Library collection but first you will need to fill in a form specifying the size of the group ( between 5 and 25) , the serial number or title of the selected video tape/ DVD and the desired date and time and wait for our confirmation.

  • How can I contact the Arts & Multimedia library?
    You can either call the Information desk: 03-4839999 extension 1863 OR send an email to : multimedialibrary@bibalex.org