Jeddah, December 20, 2024 – The King Abdulaziz University Library, a cornerstone of academic excellence, is home to an impressive collection of over 3,000 handwritten manuscripts and 800,000 books spanning a wide range of academic disciplines. This treasure trove of knowledge, along with a selection of rare and invaluable printed works, provides a vital resource for researchers and students alike. The library's diverse offerings support in-depth study and intellectual exploration across multiple fields of knowledge.
Among the library's remarkable holdings are ancient manuscripts, including the historically significant Hilyat al-Abrar, dating back to 803 AH (653 years ago). These rare and valuable texts reflect the library’s rich heritage and its role in preserving cultural and intellectual history. Additionally, the library hosts over 300,000 academic dissertations accessible through the university's thesis platform, making it an essential resource for graduate-level research.
The library also integrates cutting-edge technology, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations and services. This technological advancement enhances the user experience, streamlining access to resources and providing more efficient services to its visitors.
Each month, the library welcomes around 1,000 students, offering them a range of services to support their academic pursuits. Among these services are book borrowing requests, the “Ask the Librarian” service, open and closed study rooms, research halls, and extended hours of operation from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Digital library services further expand access, and students can also take advantage of 24-hour external borrowing options, ensuring that resources are available at their convenience.
Annually, the library facilitates nearly 10,000 book loans and offers access to government publications, including reports, guides, regulations, and statistical data, which are invaluable for research and academic inquiry. Keeping pace with technological advancements, the library has embraced virtual reality, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 by offering an interactive materials library. This collection features over 1,500 items, all equipped with interactive screens, providing an engaging and immersive learning experience for visitors.
Special sections within the library are dedicated to Arabic, English, and Chinese books and references, ensuring comprehensive coverage of linguistic and cultural resources. Additionally, the library houses a well-curated collection of periodicals, offering access to current and historical journals across various fields.
The King Abdulaziz University Library has earned several prestigious accolades in recognition of its commitment to advancing academic resources. In 2019, it received the Saudi Digital Library Award for being the leading university in utilizing digital information resources. In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the library was awarded the Excellence Shield by the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information for its proactive response, ensuring continuous access to educational materials during a time of global crisis.
Through its extensive collections, technological integration, and commitment to supporting academic and research needs, the King Abdulaziz University Library continues to serve as a beacon of knowledge and innovation, making significant contributions to the academic community and beyond.