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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baghdad University functioning?
Yes, the university is conducting business as usual. Its activities are limited only by a lack of material resources, and that is where we are trying to help.
Do you have contacts at Baghdad University and other universities?
Yes, Professor Al-Hamdani stays in touch with a number of university officials, including Professor Hatim Attiya, (Vice-president for Scientific Affairs, Baghdad University) Professor Salih M. Hameed (Vice-president for Academic affairs, University of Babylon and Professor Najla Ayoub (Pediatric Department of Al-Mustansiryia University). This is a "people to people" project!
What kinds of textbooks are needed?
There is a particularly strong need for college textbooks in the areas of mathematics, computer science, science, medicine, and technology. Textbooks in some other areas are also welcome; please contact us if you think you have something that might be of use at Baghdad University. Important: textbooks should be no more than seven years old!
(Some universities have sent to Baghdad books that are not particularly needed there. But we are in contact with professors at Baghdad University who are telling us exactly what they need.)
Please refer to the Book Donation Guidelines
Will you take old editions of textbooks?
Yes. We have even contacted publishers and asked them to consider donating previous editions of their current textbooks. But the books should be no more than seven years old.
Will you take materials other than textbooks, such as reference books or journals?
In many cases, yes. The library at the university is in dire need of all sorts of books and journals. Please contact us to see if what you have will be of use at Baghdad University. Also, we can accept scientific and graphing calculators (for the engineering school) and medical school equipment (for the medical school), and other types of school supplies for which there is a particular demand. (Check with us!)
How are you storing the books?
We have been given ample space for storage on campus here at JSU.
How can you be sure that the books will arrive in a way that Baghdad University can sort them out and use them quickly?
We have been in touch with the vice president of Baghdad University and have been asked to put them in boxes according to subject matter and to write descriptions on the boxes in English and Arabic.
I do not have money or books - is there another way to help?
You could spread the word for us, or coordinate donations of books or money at your school or in your area.
How long will this project continue?
As long as there is a need for books and we can still supply them.
Can you be sure that the books you ship to Baghdad will get to the university?
We have been very lucky to have the non-profit group International Relief and Development, via a grant from USAID, take care
of all our shipping needs for us. They are a non-profit that supplies aid to over 28 countries around the world and are highly experienced and
dependable. We additionally receive confirmation of the arrival of our shipments through our contacts at the universities.
Is it possible to establish contact between the people of Iraq and people here?
Yes, eventually. One of the goals of Books for Baghdad is to encourage relationships between Iraqi and American schools. However, this
particular aspect of the project is in its beginning stages, and we are unable to supply any contact information at this time. Please keep
checking the website for updates.
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