Library Science in Islamic Heritage

Abstract

The article examines library science in Islamic heritage from a historical and civilizational perspective. It argues that the care of books, the organization of knowledge, and the establishment of libraries were not incidental practices in Arab-Islamic civilization, but central expressions of its scientific and cultural development. The article begins by emphasizing the significance of Arab scientific heritage in preserving and enriching human knowledge, then discusses the Arabs’ relationship with the Library of Alexandria and the historical narratives surrounding it. It proceeds to trace the emergence and development of libraries in Islamic contexts, including book collections in mosques, palaces, houses of learning, and translation centers. The article highlights major examples such as the House of Wisdom, Egyptian libraries, and Al-Azhar Library, focusing on their roles in collecting, preserving, organizing, and making knowledge accessible to scholars and students. It concludes that Islamic library heritage provides an essential foundation for understanding the historical roots of Arab and Islamic library science.