The Younes And Soraya Nazarian Library, University of Haifa: Israel's Northern Star

Abstract

The Younes and Soraya Nazarian Library of the University of Haifa is the largest academic library in northern Israel, providing information services to a multicultural community of more than 20,000 students and staff. Since the 1980s, the library has pioneered the use of computers for the provision of services, by means of commercial products and in-house software development, most notably the Index to Hebrew Periodicals. Emphasis is placed on developing information literacy by means of instruction, reference services, and online tools. The library attempts to make the user community aware of its offerings through the use of social media and hosting public events. This article traces the history of the library and describes its special collections, innovative services and projects. The appendix includes suggestions for further reading.