National Library Launches Egypt’s First E-Book Deposit Service
In its initial phase, the service will be available to 103 publishing houses based in remote governorates, with plans for a gradual national rollout.
The National Library and Archives of Egypt (Dar Al-Kotob) has launched a new electronic book deposit service aimed at streamlining how publishers and authors register their works for legal deposit across Egypt. The initiative is developed in partnership with the Egyptian Publishers Association. Accessible via the official Dar Al-Kotob website, the service allows users to obtain legal deposit numbers online, reducing paperwork and processing time while enhancing efficiency across Egypt’s publishing ecosystem. In its initial phase, the service will be available to 103 publishing houses based in remote governorates, with plans for a gradual national rollout. The move is designed to support publishers outside Cairo and alleviate logistical burdens by enabling them to complete the process entirely online. To use the service, publishers can visit the website’s “Publisher Services” section and select “Book Deposit.” After uploading required documents in PDF format, the system automatically sends a confirmation email and forwards submissions for review by the Deposit Department. Applications are processed within 48 hours, after which publishers are notified to collect their legal deposit number in person or finalise documentation if needed. Once a number is issued, publishers must deliver five printed copies and a CD containing the digital version within three months.
