Fulbright Activities

This is a summary of my research and conference activities related to my 2010-2011 Fulbright grant.  I conducted research and instruction at the Alexandrina Library in Alexandria, Egypt. This page includes brief descriptions and links to my conference presentations and published articles and published impressions of my stay in Egypt during the Arab Spring revolt.

 

 

Presentations

 

• Multilingual Subject Retrieval: Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s Subject Authority File and Linked Subject Data.” Poster presented at the First Annual Symposium on International Scholarship, "The Global Landscape: Challenges and Resilience."  The International Affairs Faculty Council, Ohio State University. February 27, 2015.

• Multilingual Subject Retrieval Bibliotheca Alexandrina Subject Authority File and Linked Subject

Workshop on Classification and Subject Indexing in Library and Information Science (LIS'2013) as part of the European Conference on Data Analysis Abbey of Neumünster Cultural Exchange Center (CCRN), Room A11, Luxembourg, July 8-12, 2013 (Program Website)

• Fulbright Week at Ohio State

The Ohio State University--- Office of International Affairs. Presentation, April 15 - 19, 2013, 2014, 2015-

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina Subject Authority File and Linked data ALCTS CaMMS Cataloging & Classification Research Interest Group at ALA Midwinter. Sunday, January 27, 2013.Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am. Location: Renaissance Seattle Hotel – Compass South

[ABSTRACT] The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) started to build its own authority file since September 2006. This includes subject headings, personal names, corporate bodies, series, and uniform titles. The BA authority file is unique in that it is built on the actual collection and is different in its structure than LC/OCLC authority files. The focus of this research is on the subject component of the BA authority file. This includes the Latin and non-Latin subject heading. This research will address the workflow of creating the subject heading authority records; the linking data process; the similarity and difference between the BA authority file and the LC/OCLC authority file. It will also address the advantages and disadvantages of creating a local authority file and how to integrate the BA authority file into the international arena.

• A Fulbright librarian’s account of the Arab Spring in Egypt (Part I, Part II)ALA Annual Conference, Anaheim Marriott, Platinum 7 Room, Sunday, June 24, 2012, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

The Near East and South Asia Subcommittee and the Africa Subcommittee of ALA’s International Relations Committee invite you to this special program featuring eyewitness accounts from two librarians present in Cairo during Egypt’s revolution.

[ABSTRACT] On January 25, 2011, the people of Egypt went out into the streets in a massive protest against the government of Hosni Mubarak. This was the first in a series of tumultuous days that brought life in the Egyptian capital to a standstill. Just completing the second month of her 9-month teaching and research grant at the Alexandria Library, Magda El-Sherbini found herself in the eye of the revolutionary turmoil. She will share her observations of the impact of the revolution on librarians and their attitudes, as well as descriptions of the specific events organized by the library that played an important role in educating people about social change and the democratic process.

• OCLC VIAF Show and Tell. Presented at the OCLC at the invitation of Karen Smith – Yoshimura, OCLC Research  December 12, 2011

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina Model for Arabic Name and Subject Authority Control 

Ohio State University Library. Fall Faculty Forum/Brown Bag, Wednesday, December 7, 2011, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Thompson Room 150 A& B (This research was conducted while I was a Fulbright Scholar in Egypt)

[ABSTRACT] An important part of access to information is name and subject authority work. Authority work assures that the same form or version of a name or subject is used by everyone, so that a researcher in Egypt, the United States, Japan, or any country on earth can use the exact same form of a name to find all the materials on a specific individual. This is particularly important for Arabic names, which can have multiple parts. For example, a classical Arabic name, such as “Abu al-Fadl 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti“ has multiple elements, each of which can be assigned differently depending on the country in which the cataloging or organization is being done. This means there is a lack of uniformity for the form of Arabic names around the world. This research is to:

Study and evaluate the Arabic name authority file and the Arabic subject access file that the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is developing. Compare them to the international name authority file created by the Library of Congress (US) to identify data elements contributed to the file by the BA that may be of value to LC and vice versa. Look at how VIAF (Virtual International Authority File) and SKOS can facilitate international exchange of data.

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina's model for Arabic name authority control Library Resources & Technical Services, 00242527, Jan2013, Vol. 57, Issue 1

[ABSTRACT] This paper describes the processes developed and implemented at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) to manage authority control in a multi-script environment. The author addresses key issues associated with creating a local authority file for multi-script materials', unique challenges associated with Arabic names, and authority control policy decisions and practices in place at the BA, including contributing records to the Virtual International Authority File. The author highlights important work that the BA is doing to promote standards for Arabic names in a way that takes into account user needs in the Arab community, as well as international standards, while laying the groundwork for further cooperative work between libraries in the Arab world and beyond. A detailed description of workflow with examples is presented.

Stories

• Fulbright Story While I was in Egypt in 2010-2011. Published in “ALA International Leads” 27, no.2, 2013

• Egypt’s Spring and Turmoil on a Fulbright Grant. Presented to the OSU, Sponsored by the Library’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Tuesday, May 1, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thompson Library, 1858 Neil Ave. Rooms 150 A/B

[ABSTRACT] In January 25, 2011, thousands of Egyptians poured into Tahrir Square, the symbolic heart of Cairo. They spilled across the venerable Qasr-al-Nil bridge, broke through security barriers as they raced through downtown streets, and marched in small clusters or long lines along the Nile Corniche from the southern and northern districts. Egypt’s spring had begun. In this informal talk, El-Sherbini will discuss her experiences during the revolution in Egypt and the Alexandria Library. She will talk about her research and also share her observations on the role of the library as a culture center. In this cultural eveant, Egyptian dessert and tea will be served.

• Global Perspectives - autumn 2010 Newsletter. The Ohio State University- Office of International Affairs

[ABSTRACT] Magda El-Sherbini, Associate Professor, and Head of the Cataloging Department at The Ohio State University Libraries, has been selected a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright fellowship. Recipients are selected by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, which administers the program for the U.S. Department of State. The Office of International Affairs serves as the campus representative for the Fulbright Scholars program.e

Exhibit

• Egyptian Artifact Reflect Egypt’s Past and the Present

A collection of Egyptian objects that were collected and purchased in Egypt during Magda El-Sherbini’s visit to Egypt on a Fulbright in 2011 are on display in the atrium of the Thompson Memorial Library until the end of summer, 2013. Ms. El-Sherbini selected the objects on display and provided descriptions for each item, giving historical background and cultural significance of items displayed.
The visitors can view a selection of objects that include musical instruments, crafts, costumes, textiles, papyruses and other objects to represent the cultural heritage of Egypt.

Traditional instruments from Egypt are on display above.  Egyptian oud is a stringed instrument similar to a lute.  The tabla on the right is a traditional drum that is still used today.

Themes of ancient Egypt are reflected in modern textiles, ceramics and metalwork.  The brass Ankh is a symbol of the sun rising above the horizon. Porcelain plates depict an image of Cleopatra.   

  

Samples of textiles and traditional clothing. The tarboush hat is an echo of Ottoman times in Egypt.

The Mediterranean Sea at Alexandria, Egypt

 

 

Lighthouse and bridge at Montaza Beach, one of the best beaches in Alexandria.

 

 

Fishing boats in the East Harbor. 

 

 

Fishing boats need to be mended and painted.

 

 

 

 

 

Originally built in the15th-century on the ruins of the famed
Alexandria Lighthouse, the Citadel of Qaitbay overlooks the East Harbor. 

 

 

 

This defensive fortress was reconstructed in the XX century.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bibliotheca Alexandrina in pictures

 

Library staff gather outside the building to form a human shield during the Arab Spring revolt of 2011.

 

 

 

 

All is calm inside the building.

 

 

Back view of the library with a pool that surrounds the building.

 

 

Bibliotheka Alexandrina at night with the Planetarium on the right.

 

A view of the library from the sea.

 

 

Security around the library is very tight.

 

 

 

The Egyptian Revolution.

 

 

Spring, 2011. 

The people of Egypt take to the streets and the revolution begins. 



Tanks in the streets and residential areas maintain peace.

 

Military patrols are everywhere.

 

The headquarters of the ruling Democratic Party went up in smoke.

Egyptian revolution and the arts.  Graffiti on the streets of Cairo.

Artists in Egypt took to the streets to express their frustration with the old political system of repression.

January 25th is the date the revolution in Egypt began.  This poster calls for equality.

 

The cross and the crescent together in solidarity.

 

 

Facebook and twitter establish vital links.

 

Breaking the bonds. January 25th, 2011.

 

Liberation through struggle. 

 

This is a small sample of street art that is found in all the cities of Egypt.  These particular photos were taken in the Zamelek district of Cairo.

 

 

 

 

Cairo University Library

 

 

 

 

 

While visiting Cairo, I spent an afternoon at Cairo University, my Alma Mater.

Ancient, hand-written catalogs of theses and dissertations reminds one of a different era.

 

The special collections catalog.

 

The card catalog is alive and well and still serves the students and faculty.

 

 

Old book stacks.  Books are shelved by accession number.

 

 

 

Meeting with Cairo University Library administration.

 

 

The stacks look the same everywhere.

 

 

Teaching at the Library of Alexandria

Part of my Fulbright grant required me to teach workshops and seminars on library topics ranging from general cataloging to trends in modern librarianship. 

Resource Description and Access: the new cataloging code.

The workshop was designed for the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Bibliographic Access Section, Library Sector (about 60 members) and was presented on May 3, 4, and 5. I prepared all the necessary materials, handouts and a list of reference resources.

Library of Congress Classification (LCC).

This workshop was offered on June 27, 2011. It was designed to help the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s cataloging staff understand the principles and practices of Library of Congress Classification (LCC). The workshop includes background information on the development and structure of the LCC. The following topics were included: the elements of a call number; the use of essential LCC documentation and online tools; guidance on shelf-listing practices, local decisions and proposing new class numbers through PCC SACO. The workshop also included a comparison between LCC and the Dewey Decimal Classification Schema that is currently used at the BA.

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LSCH).

The workshop was presented on June 28, 2011. It focused on the principles and practices of subject cataloging using the Library of Congress Subject Headings, LCSH. Topics covered during the workshop included: subject analysis, or “What a work is about”; the principles and structure of LCSH; combining topical, form, geographic and chronological subdivisions with LCSH headings; using names as subjects; MARC 21 Authority Format and content elements of a subject authority; and proposing new subject headings through the PCC SACO program.

Resource Description and Access (RDA): a New Cataloging Standard.

Train the Trainer Workshop. (Hands on) A full day workshop presented on July 21, 2011 to a selected group of Cataloging Division leaders. This workshop was designed to train the future RDA training leaders at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina who would carry out the implementation of the new cataloging code and who would be able to train the other catalogers. I created handouts and compiled lists of training materials for electronic tools and websites that would help the participants in conducting their own training in the future.

New Trends in Libraries.

A general session on librarianship followed by Q&A. July 31, 2011. This was a round-table discussion for all the Bibliographic Access Section staff. The discussion centered on the American libraries today and the issues that they are facing, including budgets, staffing and cross training. The BA staff asked many technical questions related to cataloging.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina in pictures

The new Alexandria Library, known as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was created in association with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).  It is situated on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, near the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria which dates back to around 300 BCE, when the Ptolemy dynasty ruled Egypt.  The New Library of Alexandria is dedicated to recapture the spirit of openness and scholarship of the original Bibliotheca Alexandrina.   Today, the library houses collections of rare books and manuscripts, a children’s library, a youth library, a library for the blind, and many others. It is open to scholars, researchers, and the public.

 Reading Room - Library of Alexandria

 

My Egypt adventure

Cairo University Administration Building

In 2010 I was awarded a 9-moth Fulbright grant to go to Alexandria, Egypt to conduct research at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina--the New Library of Alexandria-- and to teach classes and seminars there. I knew immediately that this would be a great adventure and after talking it over with son and husband, we decided to go as a team.  The prospect of living in the city established by Alexander the Great, of visiting the pyramids and floating down the Nile was tantalizing.  Preparations for the trip took a few months, and we finally reached Alexandria in the fall of 2010. 

After arriving at our destination, the first priority was to set up house in an unfamiliar environment.  We had to learn where to shop for food, how to find a school for my son, how to get our computers up and running and do all those little things that make life possible and that back home we just take for granted.  Every day was an adventure and brought countless new experiences.  We were strangers in a strange land and had to make the best of it.

Our apartment was located in a very comfortable area of town, very near the sea, good restaurants and St. Stefano, a huge complex consisting of a hotel, shopping mall, grocery store, coffee shops a cinema and much more.  Countless shops, bakeries, pharmacies vegetable stands that lined nearly every street in the neighborhood satisfied our daily shopping needs.  We were located several miles from my son’s school and from the library where I was going to spend much of my time, so transportation became an issue.   The school we had selected for my son had a bus service that picked him up in the morning and brought him back after school.  For other transportation needs we relied on the local taxi service and public transport in the form of an old tram line that connected us with the downtown area. 

Out first impression of Egypt was a combination of astonishment and awe. Egypt gives a new meaning to the term ‘overpopulation’ and urban congestion.  Great throngs of people crowded the streets of the city day and night.  In fact, much of the social life and business was conducted after dark.  The city did not turn in until three in the morning.  We quickly had to adjust to the new life style, which included an afternoon siesta that helped compensate for the sleepless nights.

The other overpowering impression was the hospitality and kindness of the people we had met.  This can be neither overstated nor expressed in meaningful terms.  People greeted us each day as we left our building, strangers would offer directions if we seemed lost, strike up a conversation on the tram and generally go out of their way to help.  Since people spend much of their time in the outdoors, this includes eating and drinking tea which seems to be the national pastime. Countless time we were invited to tea or offered food by strangers.  We were made to feel comfortable and safe, even after the world around us began to spin out of control, as it did soon after we arrived.

It all started on New Year’s Eve.  The city was alive as people partied all around and we watched the fireworks exploding all around.  The next morning I received a call from a colleague at the library. “Don’t go out anywhere.  There was a terrorist attack.  A Coptic church near you was bombed last night.”  This came as a shock, since nothing like this had happened here in the past.  We were in shock, as was the rest of the city.  This set the tone for the remainder of our stay in Egypt.  Our carefree days of wondering around the city were severely curtailed.

The rest of January was a busy time.  I worked at the Bibliotheca, giving seminars and starting my research project.  The memory of January 1 had begun to recede when the phone rang again.  This time, a colleague from the library warned about demonstrations that were planned for the next day and suggested that we should stay off the streets.  We spent most of January 25 indoors, watching the first day of what came to be knows as Arab Spring, on Television.

During the next week we heard gunfire in the neighborhood, were poisoned by tear gas, saw the neighborhood police station go up in flames, watched tanks and personnel carriers rumble down our street, and heard ambulance sirens screaming constantly.  We lost our phone and Internet connections. Our only source of news was the BBC and some other English language stations. The situation remained tense and we had no inkling of what was to come next.  Our Egyptian neighbors and acquaintances took good care of us, and continued to reassure us that we would be fine.  Street protests went on for more than a week and did not seem to be letting up.  After a few days we received a call from the Fulbright officer from Cairo instructing us to leave Egypt as soon as possible.  We were fortunate the get a flight out of Alexandria in just a few days.  We returned to winter weather and thoughts of what could have been had we stayed.

As the situation in Egypt stabilized, we were given the opportunity to go back and without much hesitation we returned to our old digs a month later.  Our flat was still there and the neighbors were very happy to see us again.  The rest of our stay consisted of more work for me and a bit of travel for all of us.  We flew down to Luxor to visit the famous Valley of the Kings and the temples of the pharos.  We took short trips to Cairo and visited the Sphinx and the pyramids.  Back in Alexandria, my son took every opportunity to visit the ancient sites there, including the Roman amphitheater and ancient cemeteries scattered around the city.   We swam in the sea and took a little boat tour of the harbor.  Before we knew it, it was time to return.  I wrapped up my work at the Alexandria Library and we headed home. As we were leaving Egypt, the whole experience seemed somehow unreal.  We returned rich in memories and new friendships.