Library of Alexandria

What Library of Alexandria does

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria) is an Egyptian public cultural institution established under Law No. 1 and Presidential Decree No. 76 of 2001, inaugurated on October 16, 2002, as the modern revival of the ancient Library of Alexandria. Headquartered in Alexandria with additional sites in Cairo (Sinnari House, Khadija Palace) and Giza (CULTNAT at Smart Village), it operates a 7-floor main library building housing over 2.59 million materials including 1.5 million books, 59 databases, 240,000+ e-books, and 125,000+ e-periodicals, alongside 4 museums (Sadat, Antiquities, Manuscripts, History of Science), a Planetarium Science Center, Conference Center, Arts Center, and 14 specialized research centers covering Hellenistic studies, Islamic civilization, Coptic studies, Egyptology, and quantitative research. Its digital infrastructure includes the Digital Assets Repository (DAR), the Callima reference service with 2,500+ FAQs, BA Webcast, and a high-performance supercomputer supporting research operations.

The institution serves a diversified audience across five primary segments: general book lovers and readers, academic researchers and students, art and culture enthusiasts, children and young people (ages 6–16), and accessibility-focused users (visually impaired). It generates revenue through six channels — membership subscriptions (researcher, general, children's tiers), admission tickets (Main Library, museums, Planetarium), bookshop sales, donations, e-reference services (SDI, SSR, E-Article List), and Conference Center venue rentals — with pricing publicly disclosed in Egyptian Pounds and differentiated by Egyptian/non-Egyptian and student/adult status. Distribution extends nationwide through the Knowledge Embassies program in Egyptian universities and governorates, and internationally through the Digital Assets Repository, Callima service, and donations from institutions including the French National Library (BnF), Wellcome Trust, and Onassis Foundation.

Commercially, the BA operates as a state-supported cultural entity with no venture capital, private equity, or public shareholders; its scale — 1,001–5,000 employees, ~2,501 events annually, and 16 permanent exhibitions plus ~3,000 artworks on display — positions it as the largest single cultural institution in Egypt and a flagship MENA cultural complex. Recent strategic activity has emphasized digital content expansion (Aref documentary platform, heritage documentaries), applied AI engagement (AI in Scientific Research Workshop, SIMAR's ML/data mining work), and creative-sector programming (Mada dance program, Young Creators Award), suggesting a gradual broadening of its product surface beyond traditional library and museum services.

Name

Library of Alexandria

Legal name

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Website

https://bibalex.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is an Egyptian public cultural institution operating a major research library, four museums, fourteen specialized research centers, and a Planetarium, serving general readers, academic researchers, children, art enthusiasts, and visually impaired users across Alexandria, Cairo, Giza, and nationwide Knowledge Embassy branches.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Library and Cultural Heritage Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192), Museums (712110), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)

akta.pro primary industry

Academic & Research Library Operations (College/University Libraries) (EDAEAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Interlibrary Loan (ILL) & Resource Sharing Operations (EDAEAGAK), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Library services
• Cultural heritage preservation
• Research center operations
• Museum exhibitions
• Digital reference archives

Headquarters

HQ city

Alexandria

HQ country

Egypt

HQ region

Africa

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscriptions: Annual and monthly membership fees for general public, researchers, children, and young people libraries. Provides access to library services, computer reservations, borrowing privileges, and My Space digital storage.
2. Admission Tickets: Revenue from admission tickets for main library, museums (Antiquities, Manuscripts, Sadat, History of Science), Planetarium Science Center, and combined tickets. Prices vary for Egyptians and non-Egyptians, students and adults.
3. Bookshop Sales: Sale of BA publications and various publications through bookshops at main library, Planetarium, Sinnari House, Khadija Palace, and CULTNAT Smart Village location
4. Donations: Receipt of cognitive resources, artistic possessions, tools and equipment from individuals and institutions. BA is renowned for receiving material and digital donations of knowledge resources, possessions, and equipment.
5. E-Reference Services: Charges for electronic reference services including article requests, electronic database access, and search services for researchers (SDI, SSR, E-Article List services)
6. Conference and Event Services: Revenue from conference center facilities, event hosting, webcast services, and venue rentals

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandrina) operates a major cultural complex delivering library services through seven specialized libraries, four museums, a conference center, a planetarium science center, and over a dozen academic research centers. It offers digital heritage preservation through the Digital Assets Repository, librarian-mediated reference support via the Callima service, on-site access to 2.59 million+ knowledge resources and 59 databases, and cultural programming including exhibitions and events. Membership subscriptions, museum admissions, e-reference services, conference hosting, and bookshop sales generate revenue to support the institution's public cultural mission.

Product overview

The Library of Alexandria operates as a comprehensive cultural complex combining a major research library system, multiple specialized libraries (Main Library, Children's, Young People's, Taha Hussein for visually impaired, Arts and Multimedia, Francophone, Rare Books), four museums (Sadat, Antiquities, Manuscripts, History of Science), over a dozen academic research centers (CULTNAT, Alex Med, ISIS, SIMAR, Hellenistic Studies, Islamic Civilization, Coptic Studies, Egyptology, etc.), and cultural facilities (Conference Center, Planetarium Science Center, Arts Center). Core digital services include the Digital Assets Repository (DAR) for digitized collections, the Callima reference service for librarian assistance, BA Webcast for archived conferences, and the Knowledge Embassies network extending services nationwide. The institution also manages historic cultural offsites in Cairo (Sinnari House, Khadija Palace) and operates an international book fair and publication programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Main Library Central research library housing the main collection including books, periodicals, newspapers, multimedia, and networked electronic resources across all fields of knowledge.
• Children's Library Specialized library for children aged 6-11 featuring illustrated books, storybooks, scientific materials, multimedia resources, computer lab, activity rooms, and storytelling corners.
• Young People's Library Library services for young people aged 12-16, including computer reservations, mid-year activities, summer programs, and volunteering opportunities.
• Taha Hussein Library for the Visually Impaired Specialized library services for visually impaired users, providing free membership and accessibility-focused resources and programs.
• Arts and Multimedia Library Specialized library collection focusing on arts, multimedia materials, and related resources for researchers and art enthusiasts.
• Francophone Library Library collection established with book donations from BnF (Bibliothèque nationale de France), serving French-speaking patrons.
• Rare Books and Special Collections Restricted-access collection of rare books and special materials available for researchers on-site.
• Conference Center Major convention center considered the premier venue in Egypt, the Arab region, and the Middle East, serving as the centerpiece of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina for conferences, events, webcasts, and venue rentals.
• Planetarium Science Center (PSC) Science education facility featuring planetarium shows, the ALEXploratorium exhibition hall, 12D theater experiences, and educational science programming.
• Arts Center Cultural hub for art lovers featuring exhibitions, artistic programs, and activities promoting culture in Egyptian society.
• Callima Digital Reference Service Digital reference service enabling users to ask questions and receive answers from librarians within 3-7 working days. Includes searchable FAQ database with over 2,500 entries covering library services, collections, and facilities.
• Digital Assets Repository (DAR) Internal system for creating and maintaining the library's digital collections, providing full-text access to digitized books, periodicals, and theses, with public domain materials available remotely.
• BA Webcast Digital archive and streaming platform for recorded conferences, lectures, and events held at the library. Features speaker profiles and searchable conference catalog.
• BA E-Learning Services Online learning management system providing e-learning courses and educational resources to library users.
• Online Ticketing Electronic ticketing system for museum admissions, planetarium shows, and library events.
• Sadat Museum Museum dedicated to the memory of the late President Sadat, one of four major museums housed at the BA.
• Antiquities Museum Museum featuring antiquities collections among the BA's four major museums.
• Manuscripts Museum Museum displaying manuscript collections, accessible via combined museum ticket.
• History of Science Museum Museum documenting the history of scientific discoveries and achievements.
• CULTNAT (Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage) Documentation center for Egypt's cultural heritage (tangible and intangible) and natural heritage from protectorates and wildlife, utilizing digital documentation technologies. Established by Presidential Decree No. 360/2002.
• Alexandria and Mediterranean Research Center (Alex Med) Research center documenting and researching Alexandria and Mediterranean heritage while promoting regional dialogue and exchange.
• International School of Information Science (ISIS) Research institute acting as an incubator for digital and technological projects, promoting innovation in digital library development.
• Serageldin Institute for Multidisciplinary Advanced Research (SIMAR) Research institute conducting quantitative analysis and modeling across multidisciplinary areas including poverty, education, health, food security, climate change, using econometrics, statistics, modeling, data mining, and machine learning.
• Alexandria Center for Hellenistic Studies Joint collaboration with Onassis Foundation, Vardinoyannis Foundation, and Alexandria University offering diplomas, master's, and PhDs in Hellenistic studies.
• Center for Islamic Civilization Studies Research center promoting the universality of Islam, its message of tolerance, and Islamic civilization achievements in science, art, and philosophy.
• Center for Coptic Studies Research center established in 2013 focusing on Coptic heritage preservation as a key component of Egyptian identity.
• Zahi Hawass Center of Egyptology Research, education, and training center established February 2018, located at CULTNAT in Smart Village, Giza.
• Writing and Scripts Center Center producing and digitally documenting writings, studying development of scripts, and calligraphy aesthetics.
• Manuscripts Center Research center dedicated to exploring Arab and Islamic manuscript heritage through indexing, verification, and scholarly study.
• Knowledge Embassies Network of library branches established in 2014 across Egyptian governorates, extending BA services and databases to researchers, students, and university faculty nationwide.
• Sinnari House (Bayt al-Sinnari) Historic mansion in Al-Sayeda Zeinab, Cairo, converted into a cultural outlet for exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and artistic performances. Site of the French Institute during Napoleon's expedition.
• Khadija Palace Historic palace in Helwan, Cairo, restored by BA as a cultural venue hosting workshops, seminars, and art exhibitions.
• Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) Service Electronic reference service providing bibliographic lists of latest electronic or printed sources to researchers, sent within five business days.
• Search by Subject Request (SSR) Service Service enabling researchers to request e-articles or e-book chapters using specified keywords from BA-subscribed databases.
• E-Article List Service Service for obtaining pre-identified specific articles, limited to one per week for researchers and non-researchers.
• International Librarianship Training Program (ILTP) Training program for Arab and non-Arab librarians to develop professional skills.
• Aref Documentary Platform Digital platform hosting documentary series documenting Egyptian civilization milestones and heritage sites.
• BA Book Fair International cultural book fair event organized by the library.
• Reissuing the Classics Program reissuing classics of Islamic heritage from the 19th and 20th centuries (13th and 14th Hijri centuries).

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,595,830 total materials in collection
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and moderate.

• CULTNAT (Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage)coreOthers · 1 January 2002Established by Presidential Decree No. 360/2002 as part of Bibliotheca Alexandrina's Cultural Outreach Sector. Plays a unique role in documenting Egypt's tangible and intangible cultural heritage and natural heritage from protectorates and wildlife. Uses latest information technology in collaboration with local and international specialized bodies. Located at Smart Village, Giza.
• Onassis FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint collaboration in establishing the Alexandria Center for Hellenistic Studies, offering diplomas, master's degrees, and PhDs in Hellenistic studies
• Vardinoyannis FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint collaboration in establishing the Alexandria Center for Hellenistic Studies, offering diplomas, master's degrees, and PhDs in Hellenistic studies
• Alexandria UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint collaboration in establishing the Alexandria Center for Hellenistic Studies. Graduates of classics or archaeology departments may apply directly for master's degree.
• BioVision (Lyon, France)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBioVisionAlexandria is a continuation of the tradition that started in BioVision 1999 in Lyon. The BA has been honored to hold BioVisionAlexandria every even year, alternating with the World Life Science Forum held in Lyon every odd year. Major international conference series focusing on translating science into practice.
• French National Library (BnF)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerMassive book donation from BnF led to the establishment of the Francophone Library at Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Egyptian UniversitiescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKnowledge Embassies established in universities across Egyptian governorates to provide access to BA databases, DAR repository, and publications. Examples include Suez University, Port Said University, and others.
• Wellcome Trust (UK)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through the Wellcome Arabic Manuscript Cataloguing Partnership (WAMCP) project for cataloguing Arabic manuscripts

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• National Library of Singapore: A state-funded national library that emphasizes digital preservation, multicultural heritage programming, public exhibitions, and adult/children learning services — a highly comparable model in scale and function outside MENA.
• National Library of Egypt (Dar al-Kutub): Egypt's principal national library repository and the most direct domestic peer; both institutions operate within the same Egyptian government ecosystem and serve overlapping research and cultural heritage preservation mandates.
• Qatar National Library: A national library in a fellow MENA Gulf-adjacent state that combines heritage preservation, digital services, public programming, and academic research support; the closest regional peer in mission, funding model, and target audience mix.
• National Library of Israel: A national library with a strong heritage mission, digital archive program, and partnership-heavy funding model; comparable in scope of cultural-heritage digitization, academic programs, and bilingual/multi-script collections.

Broad incumbents

• Library of Congress: The U.S. national library and a comparable national research library on a much larger scale; directly comparable function as a multi-format research collection, congressional/researcher services, and digital repository operator, and serves as a global benchmark for what a flagship national library can deliver.
• Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF): France's national library, a direct donor-partner with BA that established the Francophone Library; operates a similar combination of major research collections, Gallica digital repository, exhibition programming, and global cultural exchange partnerships.
• British Library: The United Kingdom's national research library with comparable offerings: large research collections, digital content platforms, public exhibitions, conference venues, and international cultural partnerships, making it one of the closest functional peers to Bibliotheca Alexandrina globally.
• New York Public Library: A large public research library combining major branch networks, special collections, exhibitions, programming for children and researchers, and a thriving digital platform — directly comparable on mix of public access, special collections, and educational outreach.

Regional players

• Jeddah International Library (King Abdulaziz Public Library): A fellow MENA public research library with comparable heritage, Arabic-manuscript, and educational programming mandate; relevant as a regional peer with overlapping Arabic-language audience and cultural-tourism positioning.
• Berlin State Library (Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin): A national research library with strong rare manuscripts and digital collections; particularly comparable because BA has signaled a Berlin expansion via its Knowledge Embassies program, making this a future geographic peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/BAchannel
• Xx.com/bibalexOfficial
• Facebookfacebook.com/bibalexOfficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bibliotheca-alexandrina

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries26 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Library of Alexandria