Written by Mathias Ghyoot (2025)

INtroduction

The King Saud University Libraries is actually one library, namely the King Salam Central Library (KSCL), located on the campus of the King Saud University in Riyadh. Unlike the public libraries of Riyadh, the KSCL is one of a few university libraries that exist in the capital. However, like the public libraries, the KSCL also holds a vast collection, spanning everything from printed books, periodicals, manuscripts, and documents related to the history of Saudi Arabia as well as the history of the wider Muslim world.

The KSCL is open Sunday through Thursday from 8am to 8:30pm, but beware that the Manuscript and Rare Books Departments only are open from 8am to 3pm.

Location: Google Maps

GOING THERE

KSCL is located within the premises of the King Saud University campus. Either grab an Uber or a Bolt, or take the metro to the King Saud University Station. Once at the Main Gate, head across campus and through the main building to reach the KSCL.

GETTING IN

KSCL is open to the public and requires no prior permission. Simply enter through the main gate and pass the guard, and take the elevator or stairs to the Arabic Books Section (fifth floor), Periodicals Section (fourth floor), or the Manuscript Section and Special Collections (third floor).

Finding your material

You can easily access the online catalog through the website of the KSCL. Material located in the Arabic Books Section, the Periodicals Section, and Special Collections (rare books and documents) will be listed there. There are also onsite computers through which you can access the catalog.

Manuscripts, however, are not recorded in the online catalog; instead, head to the Manuscript Section and ask a staff member to see the physical manuscript catalogs of the KSCL.

Ordering your material

For books and periodicals, simply note down the shelfmarks and go find the material yourself in the stacks of the Arabic Books Section and the Periodicals Section. For rare books and documents held in Special Collections, you’ll need to ask a staff member from that section to fetch it for you after which you’re free to peruse it in the Special Collections Reading Room.

As for manuscripts, you’ll need to approach the staff in the Manuscript Section.

Ordering scans

There are no clear rules on whether you’re allowed to take photographs of the material in the Arabic Books Section, the Periodical Sections, and Special Collections. If in doubt, always ask a staff member. There doesn’t seem to be any onsite scanners available.

As for manuscripts, reproductions can be ordered for a small fee, yet the process of ordering the material is a bit more complex as the request needs to go through the director of the Manuscript Section.

Food and well-being

There is a Starbucks just outside the main entrance of the KSCL.

Additional remarks

There is a small, but insightful exhibition of manuscripts and documents just outside the entrance of the Manuscript Section.