Library Collections
Library Collections
The library collection is rich and diverse and consists of over 2.5 million items.
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![[:en]לומדים בספרייה[:]](https://lib.haifa.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23-1024x685.jpg?wsr)
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Printed Books and Electronic Books
Most library print collections are incorporated in the general collection and are located in the Northern library wing. The books are arranged on shelves according to their call number (located on the back of the book), in a snake like order, from top to bottom on each book section and so forth.
Books may be borrowed for two weeks. As long as the book is not requested by another patron, and there are no problems with all other loans (there are no overdue notices, fines or unpaid tuition bills, etc.), the loan period is extended automatically. It is the patron’s responsibility to check the updated due date in the “My Account, Loans & Requests” link.
Rare Books, Archival materials and Manuscripts
The library collection of rare books and special collections includes books from the early days of print up until our time. Among these is Spinoza’s book “Theological-Political Article” is accompanied by notes in his handwriting. The library holds 23 sections of the Cairo Geniza, which contain 53 pages. These are cataloged in the library catalog and are accessible in full text. A collection of Hebrew manuscripts including Bible commentaries and translations, Kabbala, customs, payer books and Machzors, life rituals, prayers, education and more. The collection contains manuscripts from Jewish communities in Israel and the Diaspora, particularly from the beginning of the modern era. Learn more about the rare collection of books at the link.
Periodicals
Hebrew journal collection: contains thousands of journals in various disciplines. The library purchases most journals published in Hebrew, including a large selection of daily newspapers in microfilm format. Microfilm and microfiche reader machines are available. Hebrew language articles can be located according to subject, author, journal title, and more.
Foreign language journal collection: the collection is located on level 0 of the new wing and consists of tens of thousands of titles. Most titles are in English however the collection includes a substantial number of journals in Arabic, French, German, Russian, and other languages. Articles in English on various topics can be located using the library databases.
Microform (microfilm and microfiche) collection includes thousands of items: books, PhD Dissertations, daily news – contemporary Israeli press and newspapers published before Israel was established, as well as important international newspapers, rare manuscripts and special collections.
Electronic Journals Collections
The Library subscribes to a growing number of electronic journals. This subscription allows access to the full text of many articles through the Internet. The electronic collection can be accessed through: The library catalog, the library databses and Google Scholar
Rare Books, Archival materials and Manuscripts
The library collection of rare books and special collections includes books from the early days of print up until our time. Among these is Spinoza’s book “Theological-Political Article” is accompanied by notes in his handwriting. The library holds 23 sections of the Cairo Geniza, which contain 53 pages. These are cataloged in the library catalog and are accessible in full text. A collection of Hebrew manuscripts including Bible commentaries and translations, Kabbala, customs, payer books and Machzors, life rituals, prayers, education and more. The collection contains manuscripts from Jewish communities in Israel and the Diaspora, particularly from the beginning of the modern era. Learn more about the rare collection of books at the link.
Reserved Collection
The Reserved collection includes books that were transferred from the general collection by faculty request. Most books can be borrowed for three days, some for overnight use only, and a small minority – is not for loan at all. This collection also includes the Law reserved books, the Media and Regional Studies collection, Hebrew journals (including Law journals) and the Assessment tool collection: questionnaires and assessment kits in various fields such as: psychology, occupational therapy, and special education. The reserved collection is located in the central wing on the library entrance floor.
Digital collections
The library operates to promote digitization of primary sources for research and teaching. In these unique collections, you will find images, audio and video files, documents, albums, maps, manuscripts, theses, dissertations, and more. The collections are accessible to the university community with free access via the digital collections page and through the library catalog.
Many of the items are original primary materials across a wide range of fields studied at the university and can be used by you and the students for any academic purpose you choose.
The collections include over 100,000 items, including:
– Collections of Israeli photographers
– Abba Khoushi Archive , concerning the history of Haifa, which includes various types of maps and architectural drawings.