SALI – DSFG

Syrian Academic Libraries Initiative (SALI)

Rebuilding Knowledge. Restoring Academic Libraries in Syria.
An initiative by DSFG aiming to rehabilitate academic libraries in Syria and reconnect them to global knowledge.

Why Syrian Academic Libraries Need Support

Years of conflict have left Syrian academic libraries with:

Severe shortages of updated textbooks and references
Limited or no access to global digital journals
Outdated infrastructure and equipment
Weak cataloging and automation systems

SALI addresses these challenges directly with practical, measurable interventions that strengthen university libraries and improve access to knowledge.

Who We Are

Founded in March 2025, SALI is a collaborative initiative under the German Syrian Research Foundation (DSFG). Our mission is to restore access to academic knowledge in Syrian universities by modernizing library infrastructure, collections, and digital platforms. We believe libraries are engines of education, research, and societal recovery, not just storage for books. Through international partnerships, donations, and sustainable programs, SALI rebuilds the foundations of higher education in Syria.
Explore DSFG’s other academic projects

Our Objectives

Short-Term
Support Library Collections: Provide up-to-date textbooks and scientific references across disciplines to support Syrian university library collections and academic research. Printed materials are secured via donations from international publishers, universities, and academic institutions.
Support Electronic Library Infrastructure Develop digital platforms granting students and academic staff access to global publications; bridging the knowledge gap and fostering academic excellence.
Modernize Library Office Equipment Upgrade IT systems, computers, printers, and related accessories. Priority is given to postgraduate students and academic staff, with reasonable access for all students.

Our Objectives

Long-Term Goals

Modernize and Rehabilitate Academic Libraries: Renovate and repair libraries through local partnerships and volunteer teams, including lighting, painting, and equipment upgrades.
Further Library Support: Ensure donated resources are effectively integrated via: Cataloging and shelving assistance and promoting resources to students and faculty
Establish and Support the DSFG Library in Syria Create and equip a dedicated DSFG library space to support research and learning.
Establish the Syrian Academic Repository Develop a centralized digital platform hosting graduation projects, master’s thesis, and doctoral dissertations from Syrian universities.

What We Do

Digital Infrastructure Development

Damascus University Digital Repository We developed a bilingual (Arabic & English) digital platform that preserves and provides access to: Master’s and PhD dissertations Electronic books University publications

Access to Global Scholarly Resources

SALI successfully registered the Central Library of Damascus University with Research4Life, granting students and researchers access to leading international academic publishers.

Strengthening Library Collections

coordinate international book donation programs. The first shipment delivered approximately 500 English and German academic titles from Freie Universität Berlin, carefully selected in collaboration with Damascus University’s Central Library. Additional shipments are ongoing

Cataloging & Automation

In partnership with Damascus University’s Central Library: Mobilized 40 youth volunteers (Ghiras Organization) Cataloged and automated over 6,000 books Promoted youth engagement in education and culture Provided hands-on training in library management and archiving Bridging traditional libraries with modern systems