Tribute to the Late Scholar and Man of Knowledge

Abstract

With hearts full of sorrow and souls accepting God’s decree, the Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Libyan Authority for Scientific Research mourns the loss of Dr. Mohammed Al-Fitouri Abdeljalil Khalifa, a leading figure in knowledge and scholarship, a cornerstone in Library and Information Science, and the chair of the journal’s committee since its founding in 1999. He passed away after a lifetime dedicated to scientific, professional, and humanistic service. Dr. Al-Fitouri exemplified the serious scholar, the sincere educator, and the passionate researcher. He devoted his life to serving the Libyan university system and advancing research, while mentoring generations of specialists in Library and Information Science, believing that knowledge is the foundation of true societal progress. He earned his Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh, USA, in 1974, and subsequently completed a PhD in Information Services Evaluation. Throughout his career, he held numerous positions, including Librarian at the College of Engineering, Head of the Library and Information Department at the College of Arts, and Director of the Libraries, Publications, and Printing Administration at the University of Tripoli. He was also an active member of the Arab Publishers Association and contributed significantly to national and international book exhibitions. Dr. Al-Fitouri translated and published pioneering scientific works, evaluated school textbooks, and authored numerous academic studies locally and internationally, leaving behind a lasting scientific and human legacy. His dedication, scholarship, and ethics continue to inspire colleagues, students, and academic institutions.