United Nations information centers are the principal local sources of public information about the United Nations. The majority of people who visit United Nations information centers do so to use the library services.
The primary function of the reference library is to enable the general public, journalists, non-governmental organizations and students to obtain materials and information about and by the United Nations.
Libraries develop and maintain a comprehensive collection of print and online materials on UN-related issues. The following list provides examples of the types of materials that might be found in a UNIC reference library:
- Reference materials of the UN and its Specialized Agencies;
- UN official and mimeographed documents and publications such as:
- Books, periodicals, maps and posters;
- DPI publications;
- Multi-media products (film, video, audio, and CD-ROM);
- Information materials on peacekeeping, disarmament, human rights, international law; economic and social affairs, health, development, trade, agriculture, environments, water, education, population, children, women and other themes on the UN agenda.
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Reference Books
The Centre's library maintains a database consisting of more than 17,000 books on the following subjects:
- Food and agriculture
- International economics and trade
- Education
- International law / African studies
- Statistics
- Human rights
- Development
- Energy and environment
- Health / Social Problems
- Sciences
All of these books are classified and reference numbers are allocated to each book which helps the library users to find any book easily.
Periodicals
The Library maintains subscriptions to some 80 newspapers and magazines published by the United Nations and its agencies. The newer ones are displayed on shelves in the reading hall and the older ones are bound and kept as references.
Official Documents
The Center's library contains thousands of books and UN publications, in addition to documents The documents at the United Nations Information Center are filed according to the document numbers and are published by the following Departments.
- General Assembly (GA)
- Security Council (SC)
- International Court of Justice (ICJ)
- Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
- Secretariat (ST)
All of these documents are available in English and Arabic.
CD-ROMS / DVDs
The Centre is currently in possession of a number of CDs on various subjects of UN interest. These CDs are also available for user and readers in the library. CDs cover various UN activities around the world, UN conferences and UN days. The purpose is to bring the audience exciting and informative view on subjects that cover vast areas of human interest especially the current important issues including environment, drugs and human rights etc.
Video Cassettes
The Centre maintains a collection of approximately 350 video cassettes in VHS format in Arabic and English. These were received from DPI and UN agencies.
Readers are allowed to borrow these videos for a short period of time. UNIC can also arrange the reviewing these videos at the Centre upon request.
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UNIC Tripoli library
Questions and answers
Q. What do I need to do to borrow a book from the Center's library?
A. You have to fill a simple form available at the library, which includes your name, address and contact phone number. Also you have to deposit your PP or ID card.
Q. How many books can I borrow at a time and for how long can I keep them?
A. Two books for a period of one week.
Q. Can I get photocopies of any portion of a book?
A. Yes, limited pages can be copied upon request.
Q. Am I allowed to borrow reference books?
A. No, you can only use them in the library.
Q. What are the library working hours?
A. The library is open Sunday through Thursday, 8:00AM - 3:00 PM.
Q. Are college text books and other general materials publications available in the Center?
A. No, we keep only UN publications.