The Manuscripts Department at King Abdulaziz Public Library represents a cornerstone in preserving the Arab and Islamic intellectual heritage. The department houses a distinguished collection of rare manuscripts dating back several centuries. Since its establishment in 1988, it has sought to become a leading reference for researchers, scholars, and manuscript specialists.
Collection Statistics and Diversity
The library maintains an extensive manuscript collection consisting of:
- Original Manuscripts: More than 7,721 unique original manuscripts.
- Reproduced Manuscripts: Over 700 reproduced manuscripts (paper copies and microfilm), including collections from the Institute for the History of Arabic-Islamic Science at Goethe University Frankfurt.
- Rare Treasures: The collection includes historic illuminated Qur'ans and rare manuscripts that have not yet been published or critically edited, offering exceptional research opportunities.
Digital Transformation and Cataloging
- Digital Archiving: All manuscripts have been digitally photographed, resulting in an archive of more than two million preserved digital images.
- Global Accessibility: The library is working to make these valuable collections available through the Arab Digital Library, enabling worldwide access.
- Bibliographic Control: Manuscripts have been fully cataloged and computerized. Five printed catalogs have already been published, with additional volumes currently in preparation.
Research Services and Scholarly Collaboration
- Source Acquisition: On behalf of researchers, the library facilitates requests for manuscript copies from libraries within Saudi Arabia and abroad.
- Scholarly Exchange: The department offers manuscript exchange services (in paper or microfilm format) with qualified researchers under flexible conditions that enrich the library's scholarly resources.
- Donations: The department welcomes manuscript donations to ensure their preservation, restoration, and inclusion within the library's national manuscript archive.
Last Modified Date: 02/10/2026 - 4:02 am Saudi Arabia Time
