How to Search and Display Arabic Script in the AUC Libraries' Catalog
How do I enter an Arabic script search into the online catalog?
- In the online library catalog, your cursor must be in the search box in order to enter an Arabic script search.
- To key Arabic script into the search box, press the "ALT" + RIGHT "SHIFT" keys, and then type your search.
- To switch back to English searching, press the "ALT" + LEFT "SHIFT" keys.
Why can't I see the Arabic script properly?
- Your browser probably does not have the proper view setting.
- Make sure the ENCODING (in Internet Explorer) or the CHARACTER CODING (in Netscape) is set to "Unicode (UTF-8)". Pull down the menu under VIEW and click on the setting for Unicode
What can I search using Arabic script?
- You can search for AUTHORS, TITLES and names used as SUBJECTS in the AUC online catalog, using Arabic script.
- The catalog is not bilingual; searches in Arabic will ONLY display records for Arabic language items in the catalog that have Arabic AUTHOR, TITLE or names used as SUBJECTS fields.
- Note: To search for Arabic journal titles using Arabic script please search in title only, not journal title search
Will I be able to find all the Arabic materials the Library owns by searching the online catalog using Arabic script?
- Arabic books acquired since January 1997 are in the online catalog and have searchable Arabic
script as well as transliterated Arabic in the author and title fields.
- There is an ongoing project to add Arabic information to the catalog for all Arabic language items.
- To find Arabic titles acquired prior to January 1997 not found in the online catalog, search the Card Catalog located on the 1st floor of the Main Library near the Reference desk. The Card Catalog is not updated and contains only those titles not yet added to the online catalog.
Do I need special software to display the Arabic script?
- Microsoft Internet Explorer V.5 or higher / Netscape 6
- After downloading and during the setup procedure:
- Under "Multi-Language Support", include the "Language Auto-Selection" file and the "Arabic Text Display Support" files.
- The Arabic script capability is new and still needs work. You can help us to make this facility better by reporting any problems you encounter with the Arabic to Shadia El Hanafi
- If you continue to have problems please contact library@aucegypt.edu or call the Library's Automated Systems office at 2797-6906, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for assistance.