December 19 , 2008

Library Collection Grows

With grateful appreciation Bethlehem University acknowledges the generous book donation from the French Consul-General entitled “Collection Penser L'Europe”.  This new collection is published by CULTURESFRANCE, with the editorial responsibility of the Policy Planning Staff (CAP) of the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

“This collection brings together, in the context of the French Presidency of the European Union, contributions on the seven themes: Identity and Memory, What Borders for Europe ? Diversity and Culture, Europe and Power, Europe and the Mediterranean , What Economic and Social Model for Europe ?, and Europe and Sustainable Development,” said M. Alain Rémy , Consul Général de France à Jérusalem.

“The people of France have been supportive of the educational mission of Bethlehem University ,' said Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Interim Vice President and Academic Vice President.

Dr. Mellie Brodeth, Director of the Library, noted that “for many years, the French government has generously provided a variety of texts as well as subscriptions to journals and other periodicals for the students and faculty of Bethlehem University . Additionally, a number of individuals and other organizations have greatly assisted us in providing quality resources for our academic community.”

Recently, for instance, Ms. LeAnn Hagar, Deputy Country Representative, CRS Middle East-Jerusalem, donated a number of her personal texts in International Development and Anthropology as well as International Law and English.

The Bethlehem University Library, together with the Pontifical Mission Library serve the Bethlehem University academic community; alumni of Bethlehem University ; children, parents and teachers from the local community; and students and faculty from other Palestinian Universities with:

• Access to 96,768 volumes (37,173 in English, 30,625 in Arabic, and 2,960 in French, Spanish and German)
• A Center for Electronic Journals
• The Digital Media Center and Audio-Visual Center with digital video conferencing facilities
• Academic Resources for Students with Special Needs (visual, audio and mobility impairments)
• Turathuna – The Palestinian Cultural Heritage Center
• Hosting the Pontifical Mission Library with a collection of 27,000, books, magazines and other electronic media in Arabic, English, French, Spanish and German for adults and children from Bethlehem and the neighboring areas.

The University is fortunate to have more books per student (17.2 books per student) than all other Palestinian universities (with 8.2 to one being the average at the other Palestinian universities).

Persons and organizations interested in donating materials to the Bethlehem University library are welcome to contact Dr. Mellie Brodeth at mellieb@bethlehem.edu