Work experience
Work experience
Metadata Librarian and Archivist; Palestine Land Studies Center, American University of Beirut
March 2023 to Present
Cataloging and Archival Management:
Established PLSC’s cataloging and archival policies, emphasizing the preservation of Palestinian cultural identity and alignment with international standards.
Developed a specialized subject headings (topical & geographical) for Palestinian case, supporting standardized cataloging practices and enhancing the accessibility and organization of related collections.
Cataloged PLSC’s collection, applying newly established policies and thesaurus guidelines to accurately classify 5,000 books, maps, and archival materials related to Palestine.
Structured and organized PLSC’s collection, overseeing the classification of 5,000 books on Palestine, maps, and archival materials.
Leading the Archival Expansion Project, overseeing the growth, digitization, and increased accessibility of archival collections.
Research and Project Collaboration:
Collaborated with PLSC’s research affiliates to align their projects with PLSC’s mission, overseeing their onboarding and appointment process. Managed coordination of resources and ensured that each affiliate’s work—ranging from digital archiving to oral history projects—enhanced PLSC’s initiatives in preserving Palestinian cultural heritage.
Actively supported researchers from AUB, Lebanon, Palestine, the US, and the UK by providing research assistance and facilitating access to archival materials.
Digital and Social Media Management:
Developed content for the PLSC website (2024) and coordinated the design of the website.
Coordinated PLSC’s social media presence on Instagram and Twitter, focusing on events, ongoing documentation, and advocacy efforts.
Training and Team Supervision:
Trained and supervised 8 volunteers, ensuring their activities aligned with PLSC’s mission of cultural preservation.
Provided training on cataloging and archival standards for PLSC staff, enhancing their capabilities in managing Palestinian-focused collections.
Archives and Digital Media Lab, Archival & Library Fellow
2023 to Present
Participated in coordinating the Fighting Erasure initiative, it includes:
Training Program on Archiving Fundamentals: Participated in coordinating a comprehensive training program on archiving fundamentals, digitization, and emergency preparedness. The program, led by Dr. Jamila Ghaddar and supported by the International Council on Archives (ICA), will produce Arabic-language guidelines for archivists in Palestine and Lebanon. This initiative included certification, aimed at unifying archiving standards and practices.
POHA Thesaurus: As a Co-Chair of the Middle East Librarians Association’s Archival Arrangement and Description in Arabic Subgroup (ARMTAG) and a member of the Working Group for Palestine within the Middle East Librarians Association (MELA), and in collaboration with the POHA (Palestinian Oral History Archive) at AUB, a specialized thesaurus is being developed. Once finalized, it will serve as a standardization tool for institutions cataloging Palestinian materials.
Archives & Heritage for Palestine Seminar Series: Member of the organizing committee of the Archive & Heritage for Palestine Seminar Series. Participated in organizing a series of online and hybrid seminars in collaboration with MELA, PLSC, and Dalhousie University, featuring Palestinian historians, archivists, and authors.
Archiving Gaza’s War: Led, developed and implemented this project in collaboration with the Archives & Digital Media Lab (ADML) to archive social media and webpages as part of documenting the Gaza genocide and War on Lebanon. This involved categorizing news reports, eyewitness accounts, and other materials using secure, high-capacity platforms for future access and preservation.
They Have Names: Coordinated the establishment of a searchable data that documents the names and associated villages of individuals lost in Gaza, preserving legacies and connections to ancestral lands, emphasizing the human impact beyond statistics.
War Documentation Timeline: Compiled a detailed chronological record of the war on Gaza and Southern Lebanon (from October 7, 2023 onward), combining verified textual documentation and multimedia sources. Coordinated the production of a parallel video timeline, integrating visual materials to support archival preservation, research, and public engagement.
Digital Archival Platform: Member of the organizing committee developing a multi-site digital infrastructure to preserve and safeguard archives across Palestine and surrounding regions. The initiative aims to create decentralized, accessible digital surrogates for vulnerable collections. The repository is supported by regional partners and guided by a global stewardship model to ensure sustainable digital preservation.
Cataloging and Metadata Librarian; Lebanese National Library
July 2009 to February 2023
RDA Implementation and Policy Development:
Led the implementation of RDA standards for LNL, adapted for Arabic language materials, and developed policies for cataloging rare books, manuscripts, and Syriac materials.
Conducted research on RDA rules and library practices, and adapted RDA guidelines to conform to the cataloging needs of Arabic-language collections.
Developed and updated comprehensive library policies to align with ongoing RDA updates, including specific cataloging guidelines for specialized materials such as Syriac books (with Romanization), manuscripts, and rare collections.
Trained the cataloging team on RDA standards, ensuring consistent application across all library materials.
Authority File for Names & Corporate Bodies: Created Authority File Names in line with international standards, contributing to the Lebanese National Library’s inclusion in the Virtual International Authority File (VIAF) and enhancing its global visibility. Proofread the Arabic Personal Names Headings Database and established authority files per library practices and international standards.
Trained team members on creating authority file names and managed the ongoing process of submitting new Authority File Names to VIAF.
Library System Management and Cataloging:
Managed and evaluated updates to the library system "Berytos," overseeing its transition to the MARC 21 interface to align with RDA rules.
Cataloged a diverse array of materials, including rare books, electronic resources, braille, three-dimensional books, toy and movable books, kits, maps, and other special collections.
Collaborated with the team to establish Arabic Subject Headings for the Lebanese National Library, improving accessibility for Arabic-language resources.
Collection Management and Research Support:
Developed and updated comprehensive library policies to align with ongoing RDA updates, including specific cataloging guidelines for specialized materials such as Syriac books (with Romanization), manuscripts, and rare collections.
Organized the periodical stack, ensuring that all materials were accessible and systematically arranged for public use.
Provided reference services, assisting researchers, students, professors, and the public with locating resources and offering guidance on library materials.
Supported exhibitions by planning and selecting materials for display, showcasing LNL's resources and contributing to its role as a cultural institution.
Cataloging and Metadata Librarian; Bahai's Public Library
2008 to 2009
Automation Librarian: Charge on Symphony System and all the updates needed in the library.
Charge on AACR2 & MARC21: working on developing library policies and procedures.
Cataloging and proof-reading records keyed by several catalogers.
Brill-IDC (Leiden-Netherland)
Keying British Library old catalog for the publisher Brill-IDC (Leiden-Netherland), 2008-2009.
Proof reading records keyed by several Librarians for Brill – ICD, 2009.
Conferences, Events, Teach-Ins, Knowledge Mobilization
Conferences
Palestine Week: Participated in organizing 70 events, including PLSC-hosted activities, student-led events. March 4-9, 2024.
Designed and developed the Palestine Week website and Instagram page to enhance engagement, visibility, and outreach.
Justice for Gaza: Participated in planning and coordinating speakers for this high-impact event, ensuring alignment with PLSC’s advocacy mission and enhancing the event’s outreach and impact. June 20-21, 2024.
Events
Coordinated the planning and execution of 8 events, 3 international collaborations, and 7 teach-ins. Highlights include:
October 31, 2023: Media Solidarity: Shatha Hanaysha and Carolina Pedrazzi, Organizers: PLSC, Palestine Cultural Club at AUB.
November 21, 2023: Behind Bars and Beyond, Organizers: PLSC, Palestine Cultural Club at AUB.
November 30, 2023: The Gaza Fixer Film Screening, Organizers: PLSC, Faculty of Arts and Sciences at AUB.
Co-Teach-Ins
2023:
Columbia University Students at Palestine Land Studies Center (AUB).
Lebanese American University (LAU) visit - Data and Societies Class.
American University of Beirut Students.
2024:
Lebanese American University (LAU) visit - Data and Societies Class.
American University of Beirut- Four Classes.
2025:
American University of Beirut – Two Classes.
Knowledge Production
The Return Game:
Led the coordination of the game’s production, ensuring historical and cultural accuracy.
Managed the campaign to promote the game and its educational impact.
Upcoming: Developing a dedicated website and Instagram page to enhance outreach and engagement.
Voices of Gaza: Poetry & Art: Charge on collecting and categorizing poetry and artwork reflecting the impact of the Gaza war.
The Abu Sittah - Gilbert Humanitarian Award (ASGHA)
Led the coordination of the award campaign.
Managed the nomination process, ensuring a transparent and impactful selection.
Organized related events, including Reviving Destroyed Gazan Art Exhibition.
Digital and Social Media Management:
Developed and managed Palestine Week's website and Instagram page to enhance engagement and visibility.
Training and Education
Lectures and Training Sessions
RDA Cataloguing Rules – Lecture (2018-2019)
Delivered series of lectures on RDA cataloguing rules to Master’s students at Lebanese University.
Training on the implementation of RDA cataloguing rules to Master’s students at Lebanese University.
RDA Cataloguing Rules – Training (2016)
Provided training on RDA cataloguing standards to the Cataloguing Department at Beirut Arab University.
RDA Cataloguing Rules – Training (2015)
Provided training on RDA cataloguing standards to the Cataloguing Department at Beirut Arab University.
Consultations
Provided expert consultations on RDA cataloguing rules and metadata standards for various institutions and library departments in Lebanon and the region.
Upcoming Projects
RDA Website for Arabic Materials
Developing a website showcasing policies and practices for the adaptation of Resource Description & Access (RDA) rules for Arabic-language materials.
The website will provide guidelines, examples in MARC 21 format, and practical applications for cataloging and metadata professionals.
Aims to support librarians, archivists, and catalogers working with Arabic collections by enhancing accessibility and standardization of RDA rules.
POHA Thesaurus
Secured an international code for the POHA Thesaurus and currently collaborating with ARMTAG to develop and structure its terms in alignment with global archival and metadata standards.
Memberships
2025-: Member of the International Council of Archive (ICA)
2024-: Member of the Middle East Librarians Association (MELA) Palestine Working Group
2024-2027: Member at Large, Executive Committee, 2024-2027 at Middle East Librarians Association (MELA) - Withdrew
2024-: Co-Chair of the Middle East Librarians Association’s Archival Arrangement and Description in Arabic Subgroup (ARMTAG)
2023-: Archival & Library Fellow, at Archives & Digital Media Lab
2023-: Member of the organizing committee of the Archive & Heritage for Palestine Seminar Series: Advocacy & Education Project
2023-: Active in the Archive & Records Management Training & Advocacy Group (ARMTAG) with the International Council on Archives (ICA)
2009-: Member at the Lebanese Library Association