Division Head: Ali Sabah

Today, the world is witnessing a significant revolution, characterized by rapid and unexpected developments in information and communication technology as well as electronic publishing. These technologies have brought fundamental changes in the methods of storing and disseminating information. With the expansion of these developments, libraries and information centers have been compelled to update their collections, enhance their technologies, and improve their services, in addition to addressing the diverse needs of researchers and students who require access to multiple and varied sources of information. Among these trends is the emergence of electronic libraries, which contain a wide range of stored information resources and comprehensive retrieval systems. Therefore, the Electronic Library Division is one of the modern divisions that the General Secretariat of the Central Library seeks to develop in order to meet the needs of researchers and the broader user community.

One of the division’s key responsibilities is the design and implementation of automated systems for managing the library’s contents, including books, theses, and dissertations. It also facilitates access for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. On 21/04/2024, the Minister approved providing students and researchers with materials in PDF format.

The division consists of the following units:

1. Electronic Library Unit: This unit provides students with a collection of electronic books downloaded from the Internet onto disks to reduce costs for students while enabling them to access information and services efficiently, saving both time and effort.
2. Virtual Library Unit: This unit is responsible for activating accounts of virtual library subscribers, including postgraduate students and university faculty members (Master’s and PhD levels). It also manages the entry of new subscriber data according to priority.
3. Internet Unit: This unit supervises and provides guidance on using the automated catalog and website search mechanisms. It also monitors computer systems and resolves any issues users may encounter, including computer malfunctions or Internet interruptions.
4. Automated Retrieval Unit: The responsibilities of this unit include:
   • Searching the library’s holdings (books, theses, and publications).
   • Providing citations of dissertations for postgraduate students.
   • Installing and maintaining the WinISIS system both within and outside the library.