Collections
The center’s holdings comprise more than 20,000 books, journals, and newspapers in Arabic and English, including rare periodicals, Arab American diaspora publications, and archival material held in few other places in the United States. Items are consultable on site in Lincoln, Texas.
The subject guides below describe particular strengths of the collection in detail. For everything cataloged to date, search the catalog.
The libraries
Rifʿat al-Saʿīd Library
Smaller in size, this library houses many of the journal collections, including a range of titles from Egypt as well as materials from the journalism collection.
Barbara Harlow Library
The main library, in the reading room. Dedicated to the late Barbara Harlow, a pivotal scholar whose work centered on women of the region, postcolonial thinking, and human rights activism. Many of the books come from her personal collection.
Cataloging in progress
Dr. Tariq and Jacqueline Ismail Archives
Dedicated to Tariq and Jacqueline Ismail, distinguished scholars who worked out of Calgary and founded the International Journal of Contemporary Iraqi Studies. Their personal library, with an extensive archive of Middle Eastern newspapers, posters, and memorabilia.
Cataloging in progress
Collaborations
The Center collaborates with the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, the University of Houston, and Rice University to support students in Middle Eastern and Arabic Studies programs. Access to materials is free of charge, with appropriate citation to the Center.
Guides
Written introductions to particular strengths of the collection, with selected titles and their shelf locations.Browse all guides.