After working at the Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar,(WCMC-Q) the oldest branch of a western medical medical school in the middle east (here's the webpage of the eLibrary) he is building the Alfaisal University at Riadh. Almost no physical space at WCMC-Q was devoted to the library from the onset. 95% or more was electronically. But that was not only an advantages - in terms of less overhead - but also a disadvantage as there was less working space for staff. For six librarians there were only a quite minor space for do their work. As a consequence, their walking around the library, eagerly asking students (who would like to work quietly and alone) "Do you need help? Do you need help?" Which caused some irritations ... In addition, students heavily missed the printed volumes.
At the very new University Alfaisal - is the first private university in Saudi Arabia - there was a total other approach: a western style approach with an 'arab touch'. This brand new university will largely be based on grants and tuition. Each building, incl. the library, have to be funded by major donors and will accordingly be named after them.
A 2 year preparatory program is neded to improve the students skills in English and other things. The College of Science and Undergraduate Studies will provide these studies in a western style.
The 12.000 sqm library (a combination of the best from traditional and online content) will be hopefully finished in a year from now. A student body of 5.000 or more is expected and they intended to build shelves for 1 Mio. books - which would need centuries to be fully booked.
The presentation can be ordered by Email at the autor: twilliams@alfaisal.edu.
