by Zoe Pollock

Egypt's students are protecting artifacts and libraries, according to Bibliotecha Alexindrina's director, Ismael Serageldin:

The young people organized themselves into groups that directed traffic, protected neighborhoods and guarded public buildings of value such as the Egyptian Museum and the Library of Alexandria. They are collaborating with the army.  This makeshift arrangement is in place until full public order returns. The library is safe thanks to Egypt’s youth, whether they be the staff of the Library or the representatives of the demonstrators, who are joining us in guarding the building from potential vandals and looters.

Cord Jefferson applauds:

This is how you protest.

(Photo: An Egyptian man holds a chain as part of a ad-hoc neighborhood security militia in residential neighborhood in central Cairo the afternoon of January 30, 2011 in Cairo, Egypt.)