In Egypt, Director Of Famed Library Of Alexandria Under Fire; Intellectual Property Watch, 11/6/11

William New, Intellectual Property Watch; In Egypt, Director Of Famed Library Of Alexandria Under Fire:

"The director of the legendary Library of Alexandria, lauded in Europe in recent weeks, has come under attack from the majority of his library staff and others demanding his departure over questions of unprofessional employee practices, alleged retaliation against workers for speaking freely, and for his affiliation with the outcast Mubarak regime.

According to internet and Facebook reports and videos, peaceful protests and sit-ins demanding that Director Ismail Serageldin leave immediately have been taking place for over a week in Alexandria. So far, demonstrations involving an estimated 1,700 workers (out of a total of some 2,300, according to sources) appear to be relatively peaceful, attended by workers in business suits, among others."

Director Says Young People Protect Library in Alexandria; Library Journal, 2/1/11

Michael Kelley, Library Journal; Director Says Young People Protect Library in Alexandria:

"As street protests continued to unfold in Egypt against the 30-year reign of President Hosni Mubarak, the director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is crediting young people in the country with protecting the library.

In a January 30 statement on the library's website, Ismail Serageldin, the director, wrote:

"The library is safe thanks to Egypt's youth, whether they be the staff of the Library or the representatives of the demonstrators, who are joining us in guarding the building from potential vandals and looters. I am there daily within the bounds of the curfew hours."