古老文明与现代文化的融合与碰撞——埃及亚历山大图书馆馆长访谈

访谈对象：穆斯塔法·阿勒法奇博士（Prof. Dr. Mostafa el Feki），从2017年起担任埃及亚历山大图书馆馆长。在过去的40年里，他一直活跃在埃及的政治舞台上，曾担任埃及人民议会外交关系委员会主席、埃及总统信息事务秘书和总统府新闻报道办公室主任、埃及外交部外交研究所所长、埃及驻奥地利等多个国家的大使、埃及常驻阿拉伯国家联盟代表和驻国际原子能机构（International Atomic Energy Agency，IAEA）埃及理事等多个职务。他在开罗的美国大学附属学院（AMERICAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE，AUC）教授政治学十余年，并且是埃及英国大学（British University in Egypt，BUE）的创始校长。他也是埃及最著名的作家之一，撰写过40多本政治和文化类书籍，是许多政治和脱口秀节目的常客。他荣获过多项国内和国际荣誉，包括尼罗河社会科学勋章（2010年）、国家社会科学优异奖（2003年）和国家政治学奖励奖（1993年）等。

本刊：2020年新冠疫情肆虐全球，整个世界都遭受到了严重的冲击，图书馆也深受影响。为了继续开展公众服务，亚历山大图书馆或者说埃及的公共图书馆做了哪些努力？

穆斯塔法·阿勒法奇博士：在这个具有挑战性的时期，亚历山大图书馆协同其在世界各地的同行们为保持与用户的联系做出了巨大的努力。同时，世界上一些组织、图书馆和机构都在寻求方法，以应对因保持社交距离而迅速产生的数字需求的挑战。

亚历山大图书馆具有数字化的先天优势。数字资产存储库（Digital Assets Repository，简称DAR）是由亚历山大图书馆开发用来存储数字馆藏的系统，涵盖了世界上最丰富的阿拉伯语图书馆藏。因此，我们的用户能够以交互的方式继续访问亚历山大图书馆馆藏，甚至可根据图书的版权状态在社交媒体上进行分享。

同样，亚历山大图书馆开始推出线上读书俱乐部、流式视频和实时会话，信息专家们在这些平台上分享不同主题的经验。实际上，第一批互动小组讨论中就有一个主题为“新冠疫情及其在当地、地区和国际上的影响”。

事实上，亚历山大图书馆举办了很多类似的研讨会和讲座，并通过本馆的You Tube频道和直播持续向观众提供访问文化和艺术作品、观看表演的途径，以及博物馆和美术馆的在线导览。

我馆的年轻用户也会参与我们的线上活动，即由著名儿童文学作家主讲的“在线讲故事”活动。这些用户也能获得关于信息站点的指导，这能帮助他们提升个人技能和文化水平，改进学习语言的方法，并获取有助于远程学习的网址。当然，我们也向其提供预防病毒、保持健康的方法等有益信息。

亚历山大图书馆不仅提供使用本馆设施的途径，也与其他国家机构开展合作，如和农业与土地开垦部合作，开通了吉萨动物园网站，提供虚拟访问动物园的途径，用阿拉伯语和英语向网站用户提供该动物园的历史和动物等信息。

为了减少新冠病毒对社会造成的隔阂，我们采取了大量举措，这些例子仅仅是其中的一部分。

本刊：有人把古老的亚历山大图书馆称作“人类的灯塔”，您是怎么理解这一比喻的，您觉得新时期的图书馆应该怎样发挥“灯塔”的作用？

穆斯塔法·阿勒法奇博士

穆斯塔法·阿勒法奇博士：关于亚历山大图书馆的2001年第一号法令规定：“亚历山大图书馆是总部位于亚历山大市的一个公共法人，隶属于总统。它是埃及文化光辉的中心，是思想、文化和科学的灯塔，涵盖了从古至今所有文化中所有不同语言的人类思想。”

据此，亚历山大图书馆生来就是思想和人类的灯塔。实际上，它与其古代的前身并未有所不同，是思想和讨论的中心，在古代，世界上有很多著名科学家和哲学家都聚集于此。

这在本质上意味着亚历山大图书馆，当然还有其他图书馆，都是思想、研究、讨论和对话以及向更庞大的群体传播所有成果的中心。这需要涵盖各个级别和所有年龄段。我们是激励者、组织者和促成者，把人类、空间、资源和工具聚集在一起，实现创新、理解、创造和启迪。

本刊：如果说图书馆是“灯塔”，那么图书馆员是什么？为了适应未来的发展，您觉得图书馆员最应该培养的素养或者技能是什么？

穆斯塔法·阿勒法奇博士：我们可以在书籍和道德规范中找到图书馆员的任职资格，但根据我们的经验，图书馆员应当肯定并相信他们在社区中所发挥的重要作用。图书馆不是书籍和资源的仓库，其作用远不止于此。它们是经济、卫生、教育、政治等所有领域社会意识的源泉。

即使不是全部领域，图书馆员也具备了大多数领域的专业技能，并与全世界最高水平的专业人士和专家保持联系，这使得他们能紧跟时代，并在任何指定时间内找到每一个社会相关领域中最优秀的演讲者。

从本质上说，一个“好的图书馆员”应当对他们所服务的社区产生影响。

本刊：亚历山大图书馆的外观和设计风格都非常醒目，特点鲜明，这种风格是怎么和埃及的古老文明融合在一起的？是怎么做到既现代又有厚重的历史感的？

穆斯塔法·阿勒法奇博士：亚历山大图书馆的设计理念来源于联合国教科文组织开展的一项国际竞赛公开征集活动。获奖者是挪威的一家名叫斯努希塔的小公司，他们成功地将当代世界的简约与图书馆作为知识的灯塔的象征意义融合在一起，同时也抓住了亚历山大图书馆从古至今的精神内涵。

因此，主建筑代表着从地中海海平线上冉冉升起的太阳（新的一天，新的发现），而圆形意味着知识是永无止境的循环，天文馆代表着地球围绕太阳公转。一座名叫永恒的桥梁连接着图书馆和大学并向大海延伸，不断地探求知识和学问。

从外部看，主楼自豪地展示着被蚀刻在花岗岩上的人类各种符号和历史悠久的字母。其外观像是古代灯塔，召唤游客走向它的大门。从内部看，有莲花形柱子装饰着主阅览厅，与古代巨大的圆形剧场非常相似，这会让用户想起图书馆辉煌的过去；内墙的壁龛让人们有机会看到图书馆保存着的古代卷轴。此外，图书馆还使用了非洲本土的材料和颜色，如津巴布韦的花岗岩和铜色金属墙。

整个选址也得益于其位于古代亚历山大港皇家专属区、古代亚历山大图书馆旧址的附近。这本身就很神奇。

本刊：埃及拥有众多的文化遗产项目，图书馆在文化遗产的保护和传承方面做了哪些工作？您觉得现在面临的主要问题是什么？图书馆可以通过哪些方式来加以改进？

穆斯塔法·阿勒法奇博士：保护文化和自然遗产、传统知识和非物质文化遗产是亚历山大图书馆的一项重要使命。这些领域是知识的支柱，是人类生产力的源泉，应该得到保护并世代传承。因此，亚历山大图书馆设有一个专门的文化和自然遗产文献中心（Center for the documentation of cultural and natural heritage，CULTNAT），使用创造性的方法包括我们专有的交互式文化全景九屏放映，来展示和保存丰富的遗产内容；“知识之墙”展览通过移动应用程序和印刷的墙板帮助记录和展示遗产。此外，在过去的二十年里，我们实施过许多其他工程，其中包括用3D重建和全息图来记录文献和发掘内容。这些数字工程与通过数据库和书籍而不断扩大的文化遗产文档库联手，为用户提供服务。

近年来，亚历山大图书馆完成了文化与自然遗产领域的三大工程：在埃及文明国家博物馆创建了一种用于博物馆陈列展示的平板动画电影的新方法，在巴伦·普里恩（El Baron Empain）博物馆应用的交互式文化全景展示，以及开通了伊斯兰开罗和动物园网站。事实上，新首都博物馆也采用了触摸屏显示应用。

我们目前面临的主要问题是缺乏合格的人力资源。我们正试图通过与世界各地的其他图书馆实施共同实习计划来克服这个问题，并针对图书馆界新生代开展能力建设和培训的志愿项目，确保重视、保护和记录传统知识、文化和自然遗产的连续性。

本刊：数字化是世界发展的方向，也是图书馆不得不面对的挑战，您觉得面对越来越数字化的世界，图书馆应该怎么办？在这方面亚历山大图书馆有哪些经验？

穆斯塔法·阿勒法奇博士：图书馆应该关注数字获取对象如图像、音频、视频等的质量和格式，以便将来使用。这些数字对象需要依次予以妥善编目，确保能够找到、访问、进行互操作和重复使用。

多年来，亚历山大图书馆一直开展多媒体对象数字化工作。目前，亚历山大图书馆的数字图书馆涉猎广泛，100多名员工每年能生产3万个数字对象。目前，其数字馆藏有60余万件。

本刊：亚历山大图书馆作为埃及最具影响力的图书馆之一，在联合全国的图书馆方面做了哪些工作？

穆斯塔法·阿勒法奇博士：亚历山大图书馆在全国乃至阿拉伯地区，发挥了重要的社会服务作用。自2007年在国际图书馆协会联合会（简称“国际图联”，IFLA）被选为阿拉伯世界的代表以来，亚历山大图书馆就开始担此重任。此后，在国内我们与埃及图书馆协会建立了密切联系，并作为发展伙伴提供了“构建强大的图书馆协会”和“图书馆宣传”这两个项目的许多培训机会。埃及图书馆事业在服务用户的质量和创造性方面有了很大的进步，同时，在满足用户需求和持续发展技术方面也有了较大的改善。这一点在最近几年新冠疫情期间表现得尤为明显，大多数图书馆适应了形势，继续为用户提供远程服务。

同样，许多区域实体的联系也得到了加强，比如阿拉伯图书馆和信息联合会（Arab Federation for Libraries and Information，AFLI）、非洲图书馆与信息协会（AFLIA）、特殊图书馆协会——阿拉伯湾分部（African Library ＆ Information Associations ＆ Institutions，SLA Gulf Chapter），他们在图书馆和信息领域里分别代表中东和北非、非洲和海湾地区。亚历山大图书馆组织了许多区域研讨会和专业发展培训项目，分享知识，并在国际图联国际会议期间提供阿拉伯语同声传译服务。

本刊：我们知道您还是一位教育家，在教育方面也有很深入的研究。我们一直在说图书馆是一个教育机构，您觉得图书馆怎样才能更好地发挥社会教育的功能？

穆斯塔法·阿勒法奇博士：图书馆一直扮演着非正式教育者的角色，帮助政府实现教育目标。图书馆代表着可靠的信息来源，一个地理分布广泛的安全场所，一个设备齐全、互联网连接稳定的地方，能够帮助缩小数字鸿沟，平等地向每一个人开放。亚历山大图书馆长期以来一直服务从学校阶段到研究生阶段的学生和研究人员群体。

我们致力于根据用户需求，定期更新馆藏和全球范围内最新的可用资源。此外，我们提供持续的培训和支持，以协助学生和研究人员的工作。亚历山大图书馆还依托“摩灯”（MOODEL）课程管理系统开发了一个在线平台，该平台提供高标准的课程、讲座以及阿拉伯语、英语和法语的专业文凭。

我们与学校密切合作开展不同的项目，例如“教师2030”和“学校图书馆员2030”。在这些项目中，我们向教师和图书馆员提供了解新的教学趋势和在线学习平台所需的知识。

本刊：亚历山大图书馆从建成开始就是一个著名的旅游景点，中国也一直在提倡文旅融合，在这方面，您觉得图书馆可以做哪些工作，有什么建议？

穆斯塔法·阿勒法奇博士：图书馆最大限度地服务于周边的社区，亚历山大图书馆也不例外。但亚历山大图书馆还有一个额外的目标，那就是在国际范围内提供服务：致力于成为世界看埃及和埃及看世界的窗口。因此，亚历山大图书馆展示了如何通过提供一个公共的讨论场所在不同文化和民众之间架起桥梁，通过国际文献传递，向其他国家提供并分享丰富、特有的数字内容。

与此同时，亚历山大图书馆也为其用户提供了许多通过观看艺术表演和展览来了解其他文化的机会。事实上，为纪念伟大的国内和国际人物，亚历山大图书馆会举办丰富多彩的活动，吸引众多知识分子和公众参与，亚历山大图书馆对此感到非常自豪。

需要指出的是，许多与跨文化交流和理解相关的活动需要从年轻时就开始抓起，以便向其灌输对不同文化的相互尊重意识，进而促进旅游业发展。亚历山大图书馆的儿童图书馆和青年图书馆也正是这么做的，他们在数字平台上与世界各地的学校和儿童合作，共同开展项目。当儿童参与共同项目时，他们自然会更多地了解彼此的国家和传统。

本刊：您担任过外交官，去过很多国家，也接触了很多不同的文化，您觉得图书馆在文化的交流和互鉴中能起到什么作用？现在中国正在倡导一带一路建设，您觉得埃及和中国的图书馆可以在其中做哪些工作？

穆斯塔法·阿勒法奇博士：文化交流是对外关系的天然支柱之一。埃及是“一带一路”倡议沿线的国家之一。我们从埃及外交部了解到，无论在战争时期还是和平时期，中国一直以来都是埃及坚定的支持者。众所周知，中国是发展中国家的领头羊，特别是在人道、平等和发展方面。在这种情况下，图书馆的作用是不断揭示我们周边的不同文化，并为相互对话和交流提供开放的空间。

以下为访谈的英文原文：

Since the global spread of the COVID-19 in 2020, the world has been suffering from the severe attack, and libraries also have been deeply influenced by the current situation. What efforts has the Bibliotheca Alexandrina or other public libraries in Egypt to continue to provide public service?

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, as with its peers around the world, has exerted great efforts in keeping the connection with its patrons during these challenging times. While many organizations, libraries and institutes the world over looked to address the challenges of the digital needs that social distancing quickly imposed upon us; the Bibliotheca Alexandrina had the advantage of being “born digital”.

The Digital Assets Repository (DAR – http://dar.bibalex.org/webpages/dar.jsf) was developed to maintain the library's digital collections, and contains the largest collection of Arabic books in the world. Our patrons were therefore able to continue accessing many of the BA’s collection in an interactive manner; even being able to share over social media, depending on the book’s copyright status.

In a similar manner, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina began online book clubs as well as streaming videos and live sessions where information professionals share their experiences in many diverse topics. Indeed, one of the first interactive panel discussions was organized under the title "The Corona Pandemic and its Local, Regional and International Repercussions"

Many similar seminars and lectures were organized virtually, as well as providing our audiences with continued access to cultural and artistic works and performance through the BA’s YouTube channel and through live streaming, as well as conducting live tours of our museums and galleries.

Our younger patrons were also included in our virtual efforts through online story-telling presented by famous children’s literature writers. They were also given guidance regarding information sites that help them develop personal and cultural skills. methods of learning languages and links that benefit them in distance learning. Of course, we also provided valuable information on ways to help prevent the virus, and how to maintain their general health.

Not only did the Bibliotheca Alexandrina work on providing access to our own facilities, but we also cooperated with other national institutions. In cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the BA launched the Giza Zoo website; to provide virtual access to the zoo holdings, providing the site’s users with information about the history of the zoo and the animals in both Arabic and English.

These are all mere examples of the vast number of initiatives undertaken to minimize the divide that the Covid-19 virus imposed on our societies.

Someone compared the BA to “the Beacon of Mankind”. What do you think of the simile? What do you think libraries should do to play the part as a “beacon” in this new era?

ARTICLE 1, of Law No. 1 of 2001, concerning the Library of Alexandria, states: “The Library of Alexandria is a public juridical person headquartered in the city of Alexandria, attached to the President. It is an Egyptian center of cultural radiance, a beacon for thought, culture and science, encompassing all the products of the human mind in all languages, from all cultures, ancient and modern.”

Accordingly, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina from its conception was born to be a beacon for thought and mankind. Indeed, this is not dissimilar to its ancient predecessor which in its own right was a center for intellectual thought and discussion, and a homing place for renowned scientists and philosophers from around the ancient world.

What that essentially means is that the BA, and other libraries too of course, are a center for thought, study, discussion and dialogue and the ensuing dissemination of all that produces to the greater communities. This needs to be at all levels, and for all ages. We are the motivators, the playmakers, and the enablers, that bring together the people, the space, the resources and the tools that allow for innovation, understanding, creativity and enlightenment.

If a library is a “beacon”, what are the librarians that we can compare to? What are the most needed literacy or skills that the librarians should acquire in order to adapt to future development?

The qualifications of librarians can be found in books and code of ethics; but through our experience, librarians should both feel and believe in the importance of the role they play in their communities. Libraries are not a store for books and resources, they are much more than that. They are the source of awareness in the society and this covers all fields; economic, health, education, political, etc.

Librarians have a range of expertise in most domains, if not all, and are connected to the highest profile professionals and experts from all over the world which allows them to always be updated and provide the best lecturers in every subject pertinent to the society at any given time.

Essentially, a “good librarian” is a librarian who has an impact on the community they serve.

The architectural appearance and design style of the BA are very striking with distinctive features. How does this style integrate with the ancient civilization in Egypt? How does the architecture look very modern but historic in the meantime?

The design concept for the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was brought about during an open call by the international UNESCO competition. The winners were a small Norwegian firm Snøhetta, who were successfully able to embrace the simplicity of today’s modern world, and incorporate the symbolism of the library as a beacon of knowledge; all while capturing the spirit of its ancient predecessor.

So, the main building represents the rising sun on the horizon of the Mediterranean shore (a new day, and new findings) while its circular shape denotes the never-ending circle of knowledge; with the Planetarium represent the Earth orbiting the Sun. An eternity bridge connects the Library to the University and projects out towards the sea in a never-ending quest to seek information and learning.

Externally, the main building proudly displays the different symbols and historical alphabets of humankind, etched into its granite expanse. The façade a reflective representation of the ancient lighthouse summoning its visitors towards its doors. Internally, the Library’s patrons are reminded of its glorious past through the lotus shaped columns that adorn the main reading hall, itself similar to a large Amphitheatre ofthe era; the alcoves in the internal wall that represent the openings where the ancient scrolls were kept; and the use of the materials and colours native to the African continent through Zimbabwe Granite and copper coloured metallic walls.

The entire site also benefits from being located in the historic Royal Quarters of the Alexandria, in the vicinity of where the ancient Library of Alexandria once stood. That is magical in itself.

Egypt owns a great number of cultural heritage projects and her culture is very admirable. What jobs are the libraries doing in the field of cultural heritage’s protections and inheritance? What are the main problems faced by libraries now? What ways can the libraries do to solve these problems?

The protection of cultural and natural heritage, traditional knowledge and intangible heritage is a key mission of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. These areas represent pillars of knowledge and are a source of human productivity that should be protected and disseminated through generations. Accordingly, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina houses a specific center for the documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage (CULTNAT) using creative methods to showcase and preserve our rich heritage content, including our patented Culturama interactive 9-screen projection; the Wall of Knowledge which assists in documenting and displaying heritage using a mobile application and a printed wall plate; as well as many other projects which have been applied throughout the past 20 years including methods of documentation and developing of content through 3D reconstructions and holograms. These digital projects work hand in hand with the increasing bank of culture heritage documentation through databases and books.

Most recently, the BA has achieved three tremendous projects in the field of cultural and natural heritage: a new method of tablet animated movies for museum showcase displays has been created in NMEC Museum; the Culturama show in El Baron Empain Museum; and the launch of the websites for Islamic Cairo and the Zoo. Indeed, the touch screen application for displays has also been implemented in the New Capital Museum.

The main problem we currently face is the lack of sufficiently qualified human resources. We are trying overcome this through mutual internship schemes, which can be achieved with other libraries around the world, as well as volunteering programs for capacity building and training new generations in this field; to ensure the continuity of valuing, protecting and documenting traditional knowledge and cultural and natural heritage.

Digitization is the development tendency of the world and is also the challenge that the libraries have to face. What should the libraries do to face the development of digitization in the world? What experience does BA have in this field?

Libraries should care about the quality and format of digitally acquired objects such as images, audio, video and others, for future use. These digital objects in turn need to be properly catalogued to be able to make them findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable.

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina has been digitizing media objects for numerous years. The BA has an extensive digital lab process with over 100 employees that produces 30,000 digital objects annually. Its current collections include over 600,000 objects.

As one of the most influential libraries in Egypt, what has the BA achieved in uniting the libraries nationwide?

The BA has a great responsibility in developing the role of libraries in serving its communities, not only on the national level but also on the regional level. The BA specially developed this role since 2007 whenit was selected to be the IFLA representative in the Arab world. We have since then established a strong connection with the Egyptian Library Association on the national level and provided numerous training opportunities on Strong Library Association and Advocacy for Libraries as partners in development. The field of Librarianship in Egypt has witnessed great improvement in the services provided to its users in quality and creativity, as well as in relevance to their needs and to the continuing evolution of technology. This was especially apparent during the last couple of years during the Covid-19 crisis when most libraries adapted to the situation and continued to provide their services remotely.

Equally networks were strengthened with many regional entities such as AFLI, AFLIA, and the SLA Gulf Chapter, amongst others; representing the Library and Information field in the MENA and Africa and Gulf regions. The BA organized many regional workshops and professional development training programmes as well as sharing knowledge and providing simultaneous translations in Arabic during IFLA international conferences.

We all know that you as a successful educator with great achievements. Libraries are always regarded as educational institutions. Do you think how the libraries can better serve the social educational function?

Libraries have always acted as an informal educator helping the government reach their goal for education. Libraries represent the reliable source of information, a safe venue with a wide geographical existence, a well-equipped place with a stable internet connection that help minimize the digital divide and allow equal access to everyone. The BA has a long history in serving its community of students and researchers from the school phase to the post graduate phase.

We work on updating our collection regularly according to the needs of our users as well as the latest available resources worldwide. In addition, we provide continuous training and support to assist students and researchers in their work.

The BA also developed an online platform using “MOODEL” that offers a high standard group of courses, lectures, as well as professional diplomas in Arabic, English, and French.

We work closely with schools on different programs such as Teachers 2030 and School Librarians 2030. In these programs we provide teachers and librarians with the knowledge needed for new teaching trends and online learning platforms.

As we know, BA has always been a famous scenic spot since its establishment. China is promoting integration of culture and tourism. Do you think what work libraries can do in this field and what is your suggestion for libraries?

Libraries serve their surrounding communities to the greatest extent, and the BA is no different. But the Bibliotheca Alexandrina has the added objective to serve on an international level; aspiring to be the World’s window on Egypt, and Egypt’s window on the world. As such, the BA shows how libraries can create bridges between cultures and people through providing a common ground for discussion; through carrying international collections, and providing ample digital content of its own kind to share with other countries.

In parallel, the BA offers numerous opportunities for its patrons to glimpse other cultures through visiting artistic performances and exhibitions. Indeed, the Ba takes pride in commemorating great national and international figures, through diverse activities that appeal to intellectuals and the general public alike.

It is important to note that many of the activities related to intercultural exchange and understanding need to begin from a young age in order to instill the sense of mutual respect for different cultures, and in turn promote tourism. The BA’s dedicated Children’s Library and Young People’s Library do just that by

embarking on projects with schools and children from around the world, on digital platforms and through collaborating on joint projects. As the children engage on common projects, they naturally learn more about each other’s countries and traditions.

As a highly skilled diplomat, Your Excellency once visited a lot of countries and experience various cultures. What functions do you think the libraries can serve in the cultural exchange and mutual learning? China is promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, what job do you think the libraries in Egypt and China can fulfill in this field?

Cultural exchange is one of the natural pillars of foreign relations. Egypt is a part of the Belt Road Initiative. In the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, we are taught how China has been, and still is, a great supporter of Egypt, during both war and peace. China is well known to be a leading country in the developing world, especially towards humanity, equality, and development. The role of the library in this instance, is to continually shed light on the different culture arounds us and open spaces for mutual dialogue and exchange.