The reality of the Manuscripts and Documents Department of the Central Library at the University of Benghazi: A survey study

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the present situation of the Manuscripts Department of the Central Library- University of Benghazi, and the way to organize, restoration and preservation the manuscripts.

  Therefore, the methodology I used  was the survey method, while the field visits, interviews and observation as tools of the study.

 The results shows an essential guide was used in the Department, that is  the catalog of manuscripts of the Central Library which used to inventory the missing manuscripts.

Moreover, the standards unapplied in the department regard to light and temperature and humidity, which exposed the manuscripts to great damage. Furthermore, there are a small number of employees in the department, especially specialists, and the need for those present among them for intensive training courses.

 Indeed, the lack of devices for the restoration of manuscripts where restoration is done manually, the lack of devices for treating bacteria and insects as well as enhance devices, the lack of benefit from technological developments to copied the manuscripts electronically.

 Thus, the study recommends to continue making efforts to protect these manuscripts and obtain more of them , and to work on publicizing this heritage , publishing and achieving it , as well as the necessity of providing a budget for it .