Exploring Reference Services and Databases with Bibliotheca Alexandrina

PUA’s Postgraduate Studies and Research Department, in cooperation with the Libraries Sector at Bibliotheca Alexandrina, held an extensive scientific seminar titled “Electronic Reference Services at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina for Researchers.” This initiative aligns with PUA’s strategy to elevate the research capacity of its academic community and facilitate their access to global knowledge resources.

The seminar was co-presented by Dr. Shahinaz Ibrahim Abdel Aziz, Head of the Electronic Resources Unit in the Libraries Sector at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and Mr. Ashraf Fathy Bakry, Head of the Electronic Reference Services Unit. The event also witnessed a notable attendance of faculty deans, postgraduate coordinators, department heads, alongside numerous faculty members and teaching assistants.

The seminar featured a comprehensive review of the new academic databases recently subscribed to by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, affiliated with the international publisher Taylor & Francis. The presenters demonstrated the mechanisms for remote access from home, eliminating the need for physical presence inside the library. The speakers highlighted the package of digital reference services offered by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to both members and non-members, which includes: electronic article request services, subject search request services (SSR), selective dissemination of information services, and specialized research interview request services.

In a qualitative gesture supporting PUA’s research movement, the seminar organizers collected data from all attendees to enable the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to create free, full-access accounts for them. This access allows them to fully utilize reference services and browse international publisher databases at no cost. Library representatives reaffirmed their readiness to create similar accounts for any additional faculty members and researchers interested in the future.

The seminar drew wide interaction and fruitful academic discussions through questions and insightful interventions between the audience and the lecturers regarding international publishing mechanisms and sourcing contemporary references. The event concluded with honoring the speakers, distributing appreciation certificates, and taking group photos to document this joint scientific collaboration.