F A Q s

What makes Ketabook different from traditional library vendors?

We're scholars first, vendors second. Ketabook was founded by Dr. Mohamed El Mansour, a distinguished historian of North Africa (Senior Professor at Mohammed V University, PhD from SOAS, Fulbright Scholar at Harvard, author of Morocco in the Reign of Mawlay Sulayman and The Power of Islam in Morocco). This means our title selections reflect genuine scholarly judgment, not automated catalog feeds.

I'm already subscribed to GOBI, YBP or other bulk vendors. Why should I care?

We actually serve traditional vendors like GOBI, Harrasowitz or YBP who excel at mainstream academic publishing but have minimal coverage of Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian publishers. Small local publishers don't work with aggregators, so their content remains invisible to standard library acquisition channels. We fill this specific gap through direct, decades-long relationships with publishers in the Maghreb. Think of us as a complementary channel.

Do you carry out approval plans and blanket orders?

Our approval plans are customized to your institution's collection development priorities—not one-size-fits-all. We discuss your collection goals, subject priorities, budget parameters, and faculty research areas. For example, some institutions prioritize North African history and Islamic studies; others focus on Francophone literature and contemporary politics. Find out more, email our head researcher directly, or call us at +212 665 74 22 01 (international rates apply) to discuss your particular acquisition needs.

Can Ketabook advise me on how to build a core collection on Morocco and North Africa?

Yes, Ketabook.com is run by a team of experienced academics who can advise you about the state of North African publications, the basics to the different fields of the humanities and social sciences, and where to get the resources you need if they are not out of print.

I do not read Arabic, how can I choose books published in that language?

Every one of our books details' pages contains a short translation of the title and a description of the subject covered. Simply click on the title of the book or periodical to access the details. If you need more information about an item, do not hesitate to contact us.

If a newly published book does not figure on your database can you help me get it?

Yes, we are able to tell you whether that item is available or not, and how you can acquire it from Ketabook or from another bookshop. Our mission is to serve academic needs first.

What basic reference works on North Africa should a university library have?

The key tools a researcher needs are:

Manuscript catalogs of the main North African libraries (public and private)
Biographical dictionaries
Classical historical texts
Basic religious works on Malikism which is the dominant theological school in North and West Africa

What are the 3 advantages of subscribing to periodicals through Ketabook?

1. We help you acquire issues that are missing in your collection.

2. We provide advice, and help you acquire whole collections of a particular periodical (depending on availability).

3. We act as your subscriber before selected periodicals so that you get every new issue without having to bear exorbitant subscription rates imposed on institutions.

What are my payment options?

For personal orders, we accept credit cards, Zelle (for US customers), and bank wires. For libraries and research institutions, we also accept card payments, but prefer bank wire or deposits. Contact us for more information or to work on a customized solution.

Is it safe to use my credit card?

Absolutely. Our website connection is fully encrypted and our payment gateway uses a secure SSL encryption platform to keep your sensitive information safe. Please note, we authorize but do not charge your credit card until the order ships.

What about my personal information privacy?

At Ketabook, we are committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. Our site is a safe environment for anyone who visits and purchases. Your information is stored safely on our servers and will never be shared with a third party without your consent.

How much do I have to pay for shipping and handling?

It will depend on the destination and on the weight of your order. Shipping costs between Morocco and Europe are slightly cheaper than those required for North America. Shipping cost per pound/kilo decreases as the total weight increases. We do not overcharge or make any profit from shipping costs. They are applied to the order exactly as they come from the logistics carrier.

When will my order arrive?

It varies depending on availability. Please keep in mind that international shipping takes longer than the domestic one. We typically use Air Mail as the standard shipping option to insure quick and reliable delivery. To reduce your shipping costs, you can choose to ship using Surface Mail if shipping speed is not a priority. As an example, shipments from Morocco will take about 2 weeks to reach a typical U.S. destination, or about 6 days for Europe. For small and urgent orders, you can always opt for a rapid courier (UPS, FedEx, DHL), which are quicker, but more costly.

Can I cancel or change an order after it has been submitted?

Yes. All you need to do is login to your Ketabook account and cancel it or send us an email within the first 48 hours after ordering. We do not charge your credit card until the order has been packed. We cannot alter an order once it has entered the shipping process. Be sure to include your name, email address, order confirmation number, if available, and the product you want to cancel/change (including title, author, and any other information you have).

How do I contact Ketabook.com?

Click on the ‘Questions’ button on the bottom right corner at any point, or click here to contact us. We'll be in touch with you shortly.

Do you carry rare, secondhand, and out-of-print books?

Yes, we're proud to offer a number of rare, secondhand, out-of-print, and reprints of old books. Contact us directly if you cannot find the item you are looking for on this website.