Brief History

The PSU Library began with the inception of Prince Sultan College in 1999 with 180 students and about 20 teachers. In the beginning the library housed 540 English titles as well as 470 Arabic titles. From then, the Library has acquired over 15,000 titles in both English and Arabic. The emphasis has naturally been on those disciplines in which PSU specializes; namely Computer and Information Systems and Management. Titles of periodicals such as ISR (Information Systems Research), Journal of Business, Journal of Marketing Research, etc., also reflect this trend.

PSU Library, however, follows a “broad-spectrum” acquisition policy. The Preparatory Year Program in English, (which also has a Library Reading Room facility supporting graded texts) Math, Computer Science and Physical Education are important constituents of PSU’s academic programs, so they, too, are well represented on the PSU Library collections and in the selection of periodicals.

More general interests are catered for by selected monographs and references, besides local newspapers in both Arabic and English, and by foreign serials such as The Economist, The Guardian Weekly, The New Scientist, etc.

Internet access is granted to all registered students via the Library’s 22 computer terminals and wi-fi hotspots.

At present, under the direction of Prof. Fouad Farsuni, the PSU Central Library and College for Women Branch Library is home to 27,000 volumes of English and Arabic materials. The Library aims to become fully automated and to provide students with more advanced access to specialized electronic journals and databases. Implementation of the SirsiDynix Symphony Library System is one of the major projects being developed currently.

Mission and Purpose Statements for PSU Central Library Web Site

The mission of PSU Central Library web site is to support the Uniersity's programs of research, teaching and service by providing access to information resources to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff of the University, insofar as possible.

PSU Central Library web site will establish an informative, attractive and easily navigated presence on the World Wide Web, as determined by examining peer sites and user needs, through which the Libraries can:

• provide information to current and potential clients on and off-campus about the policies, services, resources and outreach of the University Library
• offer information services that support University academic programs, both on and off-campus, to University faculty, staff and students.
• Serve as a gateway for on and off-campus users to selected Internet resources which support University academic programs.
• Foster communication between the Library and clients.

Objectives of PSU Central Library

The primary objecties of PSU Central Library are:

• provide relevant information resources and databases
• provide access to information resources
• collect information resources in all formats, broaden and update all collections to meet the needs of PSU programs and support the various aspects of the institution: teaching, training, research and services.
• educate and assist faculty, students and staff in the identification and effective utilization of information resources
• continue to strengthen and update all collections to meet the needs of PSU programs
• maintain and upgrade physical and technological infastructure to enhance the quality of services
• meet or exceed accreditation and quality standards
• provide access to library resources and servers via web pages and online recourses
• ensure that resources available are current, appropriate and accessible
• work closely with users; know their needs and interests
• enhance information literacy, especially of the student community, by developing effective plans aiming at improving student ability to: (1) access information effectiely and efficiently; (2) evaluate information and its sources; (3) understand economic, legal and social issues when using information; (4) access and use information critically and legally

Statement of Service Values

• We are responsive to our user communities
• We listen and treat each other with respect
• We are committed to delivery of services in a helpful and courteous manner
• We are committed to providing accessible and reliable services which are instructive, accurate and timely
• We are committed to acquiring, organizing, preserving and enhancing the value of our resources
• We are committed to delivering information using the most effective technologies available
• We are committed to maintaining, with both the University and our users, a clean, attractive and secure library environment
• We are committed to working together as a team, sharing information and expertise
• We share a commitment to learning in order to enhance our capabilites to provide good service

Sections of the Library

• Arabic Collection
• Foreign Collection
• Audio Visual
• Circulation
• Cooperative Reports
• Easy Readers
• Fiction
• New Acquisitions
• Reference
• Reserve
• Saudi Arabian Collection
• Serials
• Women's Library Collection