King Abdulaziz University Library Preserves Over 3,000 Manuscripts and 800,000 Books

The King Abdulaziz University Library in Jeddah houses over 3,000 handwritten manuscripts and 800,000 books across diverse fields of knowledge, alongside a collection of rare printed works, the Saudi Press Agency reported on December 19, 2024. The library serves as a major academic resource for researchers and students, offering access to its vast collections for study and exploration in alignment with the Kingdom’s educational advancement goals.

Context and Background

Established as a cornerstone of academic excellence, the King Abdulaziz University Library plays a pivotal role in supporting higher education and research in Saudi Arabia. With a collection that includes ancient manuscripts such as “Hilyat al-Abrar” from the year 803 AH (over 650 years ago), the library preserves centuries of Islamic and scientific heritage. It also provides over 300,000 academic dissertations available on the university’s thesis platform, facilitating advanced research for scholars.

Key Details

The library integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations and services, enhancing user experience and efficiency. It receives approximately 1,000 students monthly and offers a range of services, including book borrowing requests, an “Ask the Librarian” feature, open and closed study rooms, research halls, and digital library services available from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, with 24-hour external borrowing options.

Annually, the library handles nearly 10,000 book loans and provides access to government publications such as reports, guides, regulations, and statistical data. It keeps pace with technological advancements, including virtual reality, through its interactive materials library, which contains over 1,500 items equipped with interactive screens.

Implications and Impact

The library’s commitment to innovation and accessibility strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional hub for education and research. Special sections dedicated to Arabic, English, and Chinese books and periodicals reflect the Kingdom’s openness to global scholarship and cultural exchange. The library’s recognition, including the Saudi Digital Library Award in 2019 for being the top university in utilizing digital information resources, and the Excellence Shield by the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information in 2021 for its proactive response during the COVID-19 crisis, underscores its leadership in the academic sector.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The King Abdulaziz University Library’s integration of AI, virtual reality, and digital services directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives to build a vibrant society and a thriving economy through advanced education and innovation. By preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern technology, the library contributes to the Kingdom’s long-term vision of becoming a global leader in knowledge and research.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the total number of handwritten manuscripts in the King Abdulaziz University Library?

A1. The library houses over 3,000 handwritten manuscripts, covering diverse fields of knowledge and representing centuries of scholarly heritage from the Islamic world.

Q2. How many books are available in the library’s collection?

A2. The library contains 800,000 books, including rare and valuable printed works, supporting researchers and students in various academic disciplines.

Q3. What is one of the oldest manuscripts preserved in the library?

A3. One of the oldest manuscripts is “Hilyat al-Abrar,” dating from the year 803 AH, which is over 650 years old, showcasing the library’s role in preserving historical texts.

Q4. How many academic dissertations does the library offer?

A4. The library provides access to more than 300,000 academic dissertations through the university’s thesis platform, facilitating advanced research for scholars.

Q5. Does the library use artificial intelligence in its services?

A5. Yes, the library integrates artificial intelligence into its operations and services to enhance user experience, streamline resource management, and support research.

Q6. How many students visit the library monthly?

A6. The library receives approximately 1,000 students each month, offering them access to a wide range of academic resources and study spaces.

Q7. What services does the library offer for book borrowing?

A7. Services include book borrowing requests, an “Ask the Librarian” feature, open and closed study rooms, research halls, and external borrowing available 24 hours a day.

Q8. What are the library’s operating hours for direct services?

A8. Direct services are available from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, while digital library services and external borrowing options are accessible around the clock.

Q9. How many book loans does the library process annually?

A9. The library handles nearly 10,000 book loans each year, demonstrating its active role in supporting academic research and learning.

Q10. What types of government publications does the library provide?

A10. The library offers access to government reports, guides, regulations, plans, and statistical data, supporting informed research and policy studies.

Q11. How does the library incorporate virtual reality?

A11. The library uses virtual reality through its interactive materials library, which contains over 1,500 items equipped with interactive screens for immersive learning.

Q12. Does the library have sections for books in different languages?

A12. Yes, special sections are designated for Arabic, English, and Chinese books and references, along with a section for periodicals, promoting multilingual scholarship.

Q13. What award did the library win in 2019?

A13. The library received the Saudi Digital Library Award for being the top university in utilizing digital information resources in 2019.

Q14. What recognition did the library earn in 2021?

A14. The library was awarded the Excellence Shield by the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information for its proactive response during the COVID-19 crisis in 2021.

Q15. How does the library support researchers and students?

A15. The library provides access to manuscripts, books, dissertations, study rooms, digital services, and expert assistance from librarians to support academic work.

Q16. What is the role of the library in preserving cultural heritage?

A16. The library preserves over 3,000 ancient manuscripts and rare books, safeguarding Islamic and scientific heritage for future generations and researchers.

Q17. How does the library align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A17. The library integrates AI, virtual reality, and digital services to advance education and innovation, supporting Vision 2030’s goals for a vibrant society and thriving economy.

Q18. Are the library’s resources available to international researchers?

A18. Yes, the library offers digital services and resources that are accessible to researchers and students globally, promoting international academic collaboration.

Q19. What is the “Ask the Librarian” service?

A19. It is a reference service that allows users to ask librarians questions for help finding resources or using library services, available during operating hours.

Q20. How does the library keep pace with technological advancements?

A20. The library adopts AI, virtual reality, and digital platforms, constantly upgrading its technology to provide cutting-edge services and resources for users.

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