Technical Procedures Unit

The Technical Procedures Unit is considered the vital backbone of any university library, serving as the organizational foundation for library operations. Through this unit, all organizational processes for information vehicles—such as acquiring books, periodicals, etc.—are conducted, followed by their technical organization through cataloging and classification. The unit utilizes the latest and most widely adopted specialized systems globally to facilitate the seamless and effortless retrieval of materials by beneficiaries and library patrons. The unit encompasses the following tasks:

Acquisition

Through this process, the library’s collection is developed and built by identifying and selecting information sources based on the strengths and weaknesses of the existing collection, while excluding sources that do not support the university’s instructional needs. The unit records and documents the bibliographic data of incoming information sources, assigning them a sequential accession number in print registers and electronic files, and stamping each source with the library’s logo as an official entry in the library records.

Cataloging and Classification

This section is responsible for organizing information sources through descriptive cataloging according to the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, Second Edition (AACR2), and subject cataloging based on the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system, 23rd Edition, alongside the Standard Arabic Subject Headings Lists by Sha’ban Abdel Aziz Khalifa. It handles the preparation of both the card catalog and the library’s automated catalog using the open-source Koha System, making it easier for beneficiaries to search for and retrieve sources.

Gifts and Exchange

This section receives information sources delivered to the library from donors, whether individuals or organizations, and drafts official letters of appreciation. It also manages the donation of duplicate copies of publications that do not meet the library’s core needs to departmental/subsidiary libraries within the university or to other universities. It processes books and periodicals from donors—including individuals, universities, or organizations—prepares appreciation letters for them, and forwards the materials to the Acquisition section.

Collection Maintenance

This section is responsible for binding and restoring books and other publications that suffer wear and tear from usage, preparing them for reuse, and ensuring their long-term preservation.

Unit Activities

Organizing specialized training courses in cataloging, classification, and acquisition.
Providing professional consultation and guidance to the staff of departmental/subsidiary libraries and other external libraries.
Facilitating the mission of research and postgraduate students by ensuring easy access to information.
Welcoming educational tours and visits from school students, introducing them to the library’s role, and demonstrating how researchers utilize its resources.