COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
At USEK Library, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture that connects us with our patrons of today and tomorrow. Our roadmap focuses on optimizing our resources and enhancing our discoverability.
OVERVIEW
USEK Library is steadfast in its mission to support academic endeavors by preserving and conserving Lebanese cultural heritage across various formats, including newspapers, manuscripts, rare books, archives, photographs, and maps. Our fully automated library ensures that many resources and reference services are accessible from off-campus, offering a virtual environment that supports research.
We provide tailored reference and instructional services both online (via webinars, emails, chat) and in person, promoting a culture of information literacy at all levels. Researchers from Lebanon and beyond frequently visit our library for its rich historical collections, especially those on Lebanon and the Middle East. The library operates 40 hours a week, continually enriching its print and electronic collections to support university curricula.
Print and Electronic Collections
Monographs: 229,610
Print Journals: 1,923 titles
Print Newspapers:117 titles
Databases: 90
Electronic Books: 638,399 titles
Electronic Journals: 130,624 titles
Bookshelves: 7,172.61 linear meters
Digital Collection
USEK Library: 63,455,555 items (100.362 TB)
Phoenix Center (Archives): 9,032,044 items (22,059 TB)
Special Collection
Manuscripts: 2,190
Rare Books: 4,774 volumes (2,822 titles)
Microfilms: 2,517
Microfiches: 21
Facts and Figures 2023-2024
FACILITIES
Libraries: 3 (Main Campus, Zahlé, Health Library)
Seating capacity, total: 427
Public computer workstations: 97 (including 6 self-service Copy-Print-Scan machines)
Study Rooms: 3 (18 seats)
Conference Room: 1 (20 seats)
PUBLIC SERVICES
Items Circulated/Renewed/Borrowed: 10,259
Interlibrary Loan Transactions: 256
Information Services Consultations: 301
Visitor Subscriptions: 40
Library Tours: 43
COLLECTION
Monographs: 2,059
Print Journals: 5 titles
Print Newspapers: 7 titles
Database: 90
E-journal Articles and E-books Downloads: 383,834
RESTORATION PROJECTS
Conservation: 3,612 items
Restoration: 97 items
PHYSICAL EXHIBITS : 5
STAFF
Academic Libraries: 14
Conservation and Digitization Centers: 19
Phoenix Center for Lebanese Studies: 14
Professional Development
Webinars, Workshops, and Trainings Attended: 8
- Photographic Documentation and Multispectral Imaging: July 1-5, 2024
- Islamic Papers Training at INP France: April 17-19, 2024
- Study Day on Research Tools and Approaches in Manuscript and Documentary Studies with QNL: June 5, 2024
- Photon Lecture Series by Mick Newnham: March 26, 2024
- Unidroit’s Contribution to the Fight Against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Objects: May 21, 2024
- Digitization for Protecting Cultural Property: January 23, 2024
- Traditional Bookbinding from Indonesia: November 20, 2024
- Conference on Libraries and Digital Preservation of Cultural Heritage: May 14-16, 2024
Training Delivered
- USEK Library Cultural Heritage by Fr. Joseph Moukarzel: held in June 2024 at Ibrahim Najjar Foundation.
- USEK Library Initiatives in Preserving and Disseminating Cultural Heritage by Essine El Gemayel: held on May 15, 2024, at the Lebanese Library Association conference.