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Rare Books and Special Collections Library (RBSCL)

AUC’s Rare Books and Special Collections Library promotes learning and research about the history, society, and arts of Egypt and the Middle East through collections of primary-source documentation and other scholarly resources.


The RBSCL documents ancient, medieval, and modern Egypt and the wider region, with strengths in Egyptology, Islamic art and architecture, photography, and Egyptian and regional architecture of the 20th century. The library features extensive rare and contemporary book and periodical holdings, and archival and manuscript collections reflecting Egyptian social, political, cultural, and intellectual life. RBSCL also houses the university's archives, which highlight more than one hundred years of AUC history.

More About RBSCL

 

students exploring books at the rare book and special collections library

Visiting and Doing Research

The Rare Books and Special Collections Library warmly welcomes visitors and researchers. Our team looks forward to showcasing our heritage treasures, and supporting research by students, faculty, scholars, and others at AUC, in Egypt, and beyond. 

Latest News

The Rare Books and Special Collections Library offers a regular program of events and exhibitions, and its activities are often featured in the media.

students showcasing turkish ebru art

 

 

Campus Cameo

AUC’s Rare Books and Special Collections Library hosted a workshop on traditional Turkish Ebru art, or paper marbling, which is seen on the inside covers of many rare books and in contemporary art. The event featured artists from Turkey, Italy and Egypt, and participants included AUC students and heritage conservation centers. Supported by the UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize, the event was held in collaboration with the Anna Lindh Foundation as well as Al Qalam School of Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Contact Us

 

Rare Books and Special Collections Library
Third Floor, Library Building
AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74
New Cairo 11835, Egypt
t: +2.02.2615.3676

[email protected]

Contact Our Specialists