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CENTER’S OVERVIEW
The LRC team has been working diligently to create a conducive learning environment that enriches the teaching – learning process at PMU. Our ultimate aim is to provide community members with the resources and academic support they need to engage PMU learners in activities that help them develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies essential for their academic success and future employability.
The Learning Resources Center (LRC) is a service component and a multifunctional facility that provides:
Resources that meet the needs of students, faculty, researchers and the instructional programs. Learning Services to ensure that PMU’s Learner -Centered approach to education is being implemented successfully. Services related to technology Integration Guidance to the PMU community on the selection and use of the appropriate educational resources.
Goals of the Learning Resources Center
As a multifunctional hub of knowledge production, The LRC aims to:
Assist in promoting the literacy practices of the academic community. Provide one-on-one tutoring sessions in various types of assignment and discipline- specific course works. Empower students with the communication, presentation, research skills and competencies they need to succeed inside and outside of the University. Facilitate access to trustworthy online primary and secondary sources, materials, writing guides, and digital tools that help students with their writing and research. Support excellence in teaching learning and assessment
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YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
In 2025, the university library continued to achieve significant milestones aimed at enhancing both the physical and digital learning environments. Focused on fostering student success and promoting academic excellence, the library undertook initiatives to expand its collections, integrate advanced digital tools, and strengthen access to research resources. Through targeted acquisitions, upgraded computing facilities, strategic subscriptions, and user-centered initiatives, the library reinforced its role as a vital resource for the academic community. This report highlights the library's key accomplishments and its ongoing commitment to supporting research, learning, and the broader university mission.
Expanding Library Collections to Support Learning and Research
The library made substantial progress in enriching its collections to meet the evolving academic and research needs of students and faculty. This includes strengthening subject-specific resources through new acquisitions in Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Chemical Engineering, and Digital Marketing, ensuring that emerging and in-demand disciplines are well supported.
Key achievements include:
• Books Ordered: 345 titles / 846 volumes • Books Received: 285 titles / 680 volumes • New subject-focused collections: o Cyber Security o Artificial Intelligence o Chemical Engineering o Digital Marketing • Additional PMU Author Books: Acquired to support faculty-authored works • Graded Readers Collection: Expanded for the Preparatory Program The library is also awaiting additional acquisitions from the publisher, which will further strengthen the breadth and depth of available resources. These efforts ensure that students and faculty have access to up-to-date resources to support coursework, research and scholarly engagement.
Upgrading Computing Facilities and Library Spaces
To improve access to digital learning resources and create a more productive environment, the library assigned new computers across key areas:
LRC – Male Library: 27 PCs LRC – Female Library: 25 PCs
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F012: 16 PCs
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In addition, the library is awaiting the arrival of new study carrels and seating for both the Male and Female libraries, as well as a n additional 128 new PCs t o further enhance digital access.
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These upgrades, together with pending acquisitions, will significantly improve individual and collaborative study environments, ensuring a comfortable and engaging learning experience for all users.
Integrating Advanced Digital Resources and Subscriptions
The library continued to expand its digital capabilities, ensuring that the academic community has access to cutting-edge research and analytics tools. Key platforms and subscriptions include:
• Scival (AI) Supporting research assessment, analytics, and benchmarking for faculty and students. • iThenticate (AI) Ensuring academic integrity through plagiarism detection and manuscript verification. • SCOPUS Providing access to a comprehensive database of peer-reviewed literature and research metrics. • ScienceDirect Offering full-text access to high-quality scholarly articles across multiple disciplines. • SpringShare Platform o LibGuides – Curated subject guides for research and learning o LibCal – Scheduling and resource management o LibAnswers – User support and knowledge base services • OCLC EZproxy Facilitates remote access to digital resources for off-campus users. • WorldShare Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Supports interlibrary borrowing and sharing, expanding access to global resources.
These subscriptions and platforms enhance the research experience and ensure seamless access to essential academic content.
Supporting Research, Academic Excellence, and Learning
The library continued to play a pivotal role in fostering student success and research excellence:
• Provided tools and resources to support academic integrity and high-quality research • Strengthened students’ and faculty’s abil ity to access and utilize digital and print resources • Enhanced the efficiency and reach of library services through 46 instructional class sessions and 10 library activities • Maintained high levels of user satisfaction, with the Library User Survey overall satisfaction score at 3.79
Workshops, Student Engagement, and Innovative Learning Initiatives
In 2025, the library empowered faculty and students through a series of workshops, advisory initiatives, and innovative learning strategies designed to enhance research capabilities, strengthen student engagement, and promote modern teaching practices.
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Interdisciplinary Research Workshop
The library hosted an intensive interdisciplinary research workshop featuring five speakers from different colleges. The session focused on advanced research strategies and exposed faculty and researchers to cutting-edge methodologies, tools, and best practices. The workshop aimed to enhance the quality, efficiency, and impact of research across the university while fostering collaboration among academic disciplines.
EndNote Workshops on Advanced Reference Management
A series of online, hands-on EndNote workshops was conducted in partnership with a guest speaker from Clarivate. These sessions enabled faculty and researchers to streamline reference management, organize literature more effectively, and improve accuracy in scholarly writing. Participants also explored advanced EndNote features designed to boost research productivity and collaboration.
Establishment of the Student Advisory Committee
To strengthen student engagement and promote inclusive decision-making, the library established a Student Advisory Committee in 2025. The committee consists of student representatives from various disciplines who work closely with faculty and administrators to provide meaningful feedback, recommend enhancements, and support institutional planning. This initiative ensures that student voices are actively integrated into the development of library services and academic activities.
Specialized Class on Simulation and Game-Based Learning
The library also introduced a specialized class on simulation and game-based learning to advance innovative teaching and learning practices. The session familiarized faculty and students with strategies that integrate simulations and interactive games to promote engagement, critical thinking, and real-world application of knowledge. Participants explored tools and methodologies for designing immersive, learner-centered experiences that enhance both comprehension and skill development.
YEAR CHALLENGES
Limited Access to SDL – This year, SDL has not provided access to the subscribed database, restricting students, staff, and researchers from using essential academic resources. The lack of access has negatively impacted research, study schedules, and overall academic productivity, making it challenging to obtain up-to-date and reliable information for coursework, projects, and research activities. Unavailability of Key Electronic Resources – The library currently does not have access to essential electronic databases, including Nature, IEEEXplore, ProQuest, EBSCOHost, Taylor & Francis , Wiley, Springer, Sage, Emerald Insights and Dar Almandumah, which are needed by the colleges. This unavailability has negatively impacted students, faculty, and researchers,
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making it difficult to obtain up-to-date and reliable information for coursework, projects, and research activities. Shortage of Staff – The library is facing a shortage of staff, which affects our ability to provide timely service and ensure a conducive study environment. With fewer staff available, tasks such as managing resources, monitoring the space, and enforcing policies have become more challenging, leading to delays and a less satisfactory experience for library users. Noise During Busy Hours – Noise levels have become a significant issue, particularly during peak hours. Despite the library’s goal of providing a quiet study environment, disru ptions from group discussions and classrooms scheduled within the LRC building have affected students seeking a focused space. The limited staff available for monitoring during these periods makes enforcing quiet space policies challenging, resulting in a less conducive environment for study and research.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Library Instruction Services and Activity The University Library’s instruction program promotes information literacy by helping students develop essential research skills and effectively use electronic and print resources. Over the past year, students participated in self-guided tutorials, in-person workshops, and virtual sessions. Activities included research skills workshops, subject-specific orientations, library tours, a library scavenger hunt, and one-on-one research consultations — all designed to support coursework and strengthen students’ ability to find and evaluate information.
INSTRUCTION SESSIONS PROVIDED BY LIBRARIANS
Number of instruction sessions provided Total attendance at instruction sessions
56
1,345
Reference Services Reference services are among the library’s most important and effective services. At the University Library, the Reference Desk is staffed by full-time librarians for 40 hours each week during the spring and fall academic semesters. These key services help library users locate and utilize information. Library staff assist by guiding users through resources, finding materials, and answering various questions.
REFERENCE SERVICES
Directional Services Instructional Services Research Services
7,942 4,787
282
Circulation Services Library staff are responsible for monitoring the physical condition and security of the facilities, as well as managing the library’s collections. Their duties include ensuring that materials are correctly shelved, overseeing the check-out and check-in processes, and maintaining an organized system for resource accessibility.
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Usage statistics are primarily generated through the KOHA Library Management System (LMS), which tracks user activity and the movement of library resources. In situations when the LMS is temporarily unavailable, library staff perform manual circulation procedures to ensure uninterrupted service and accurate record-keeping.
TOTAL NUMBER OF CIRCULATION
Check Out
Check In
Renewals
4,960
3,560
68
Inter Library Loan (ILL) Service The University Library enhances user access to information through resource-sharing agreements with other libraries. The University’s Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services are an effective means of expanding access to materials beyond our immediate collection. The PMU Library is currently subscribed to the British Library’s Document Supply Centre, which allows us to provide library patrons with access to articles and other resources. In 2025, the University Library successfully provided 562 full-text articles and 43 book chapters to library patrons. Additionally, the library received requests from other universities , supplying materials to support their students, faculty, and research programs. This reciprocal sharing strengthens collaboration between institutions and maximizes access to academic resources for the broader scholarly community. INTERLIBRARY LOANS PROVIDED TO FACULTY, STUDENTS AND STAFF Full Text Articles Book Chapter 562 43 iThenticate Plagiarism Checking Service The University Library licenses iThenticate, a plagiarism detection software that helps identify missed citations or wording that is too closely paraphrased from published sources. This tool supports the integrity of academic writing and ensures adherence to proper citation practices.
The iThenticate Plagiarism Checking Service is free and confidential for all university students and faculty, providing reliable support in verifying the originality of academic work.
In 2025, the service was used to check 925 documents submitted by 218 users across various colleges, continuing to play an essential role in upholding high academic standards.
As part of the Library’s commitment to provi ding robust academic integrity resources, the subscription to iThenticate — now enhanced with AI-supported detection capabilities — was renewed in 2025. This renewal ensures continued access to advanced plagiarism detection technology that can better identify AI-assisted writing patterns, nuanced paraphrasing, and emerging forms of academic misconduct.
NUMBER OF DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED Users
Documents Submitted
218
925
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COLLECTIONS One of the highlights this year was to select, acquire, manage, preserve, and provide access to informational resources to support all programs, inspirational teaching, relevant research, and service. Print Collection To date, the number of books available in the library has continued to rise, reaching a record 24,490 this year across both male and female libraries. Additionally, 680 volumes were added to the library collections in 2025.
PRINT COLLECTION
Male
11,697 12,793 24,490
Female
Total
Electronic Resources
This year the LRC did not have full access to the Saudi Digital Library (SDL). Limited access to SDL restricted the availability of some e-books, journals and research papers, which impacted student’s and faculty’s ability to obtain certain academic mater ials. To address this gap and ensure continuous access to essential resources, the library subscribed to the following databases individually, which were not fully available through SDL: Lexis Middle East – A specialized database focused on legal research in the Middle East, offering access to case law, legislation, news, and legal commentary, with coverage of multiple jurisdictions in the region. Nexis Uni – A versatile research tool that provides access to a vast range of news, legal documents, and business data, supporting research in areas like law, business, politics, and more. ScienceDirect – A premier platform for scientific and technical research, offering access to a wide range of journals and articles in the fields of physical sciences, life sciences, and health. Scopus – A comprehensive abstract and citation database, providing access to peer- reviewed literature in science, technology, medicine, social sciences, and more, helping researchers track citation impact and trends. SciVal - A research performance assessment and analytics tool developed by Elsevier. It provides insights into the research performance, trends, and collaboration of institutions, countries, and individual researchers. Essentially, it’s used to analyze research productivity, impact, and strategic opportunities based on data from Scopus, Elsevier’s bibliographic database. These subscriptions were made to ensure access to specialized resources that enhance the library's offerings beyond the scope of the Saudi Digital Library, enriching research opportunities for our users.
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NUMBER OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
Ebooks
433,1980 113,040
Ejournals
This year, we have focused on analyzing the usage statistics specifically for our electronic resource subscriptions. The data presented below highlights the overall engagement with these resources:
STATISTICAL USAGE OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
Searches
12,704 14,440
Total Item Request
These figures demonstrate significant interaction with our subscribed electronic resources. The number of searches indicates a high level of interest and utilization, while the total item requests show that users are actively accessing and requesting content.
Library Visits
The University Library continues to provide an inviting and functional environment that supports diverse forms of learning, collaboration, and academic engagement. With dedicated spaces for studying, group work, and meetings, the Library fosters a strong sense of community and encourages interaction among students, faculty, and staff. In 2025, the Library Resource Center (LRC) recorded 156,188 visits, underscoring its role as a central hub for both academic and social activities within the University. To track and analyze library usage, the Library employs the RFID Gate system integrated with the KOHA Library Management System (LMS), which provides real-time data on visits and user engagement. However, due to an issue with the RFID gates in both the female and male sections, some data had to be manually recorded during the period in question. While this may affect the precision of the statistics in those areas, the combined manual and RFID-collected data continues to offer valuable insights into library usage, helping inform ongoing improvements and the development of services to enhance the user experience.
VISIT TO THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
Male
87,970 68,218 156,188
Female
Total
Study Space
This year, the Library Resource Center (LRC) continued to provide secure, environmentally friendly, and technologically advanced physical environments for its users. In 2025, a total of
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seventeen study rooms were made available across both libraries, each designed to accommodate groups of up to four students. These study rooms are equipped with modern features to foster collaboration and productivity, including computers, writable walls, magnetic walls, and writable tables with chairs. The LRC's commitment to offering state-of-the-art resources and spaces for study is reflected in the high demand for these rooms. In total, there were 12,601 bookings made across both male and female libraries in 2025. These bookings were facilitated through the LibCal platform, powered by Springshare, ensuring easy access to and management of study room reservations.
STUDY ROOM USAGE STATISTICS
Unique Users Total Bookings Hours Booked
2,057
12,601 17,628
Library Survey Conducted
The 2025 Library User Survey was conducted from February 16, 2025, to March 16, 2025, to assess user satisfaction and gather feedback on library services. This year , 381 responses were received, representing a response rate of 4.99%, with an overall satisfaction score of 3.79 out of 5 , reflecting a generally positive perception of the library’s services.
Key Findings
The highest-rated aspects of the library were:
• The library staff is approachable and friendly – 4.19 • The library staff is knowledgeable & proficient at finding information – 4.16 • The library is a good and quiet place to work and study – 4.09 • The library services in general meet my research and study needs – 3.82 These results demonstrate that the library’s staff and study environment are core strengths. Remarkably, these achievements were made despite the library having only two professional librarians.
Infographic of Survey Results
Below is the visual summary of the 2025 Library User Survey results:
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NEW ACTIVITIES & PROGRAM
In 2026, the academic library will offer a series of targeted workshops designed to enhance digital literacy, support research excellence, and strengthen teaching and learning across campus. These workshops serve both faculty and students, addressing emerging needs in AI literacy, academic skills, and digital scholarship.
Information Literacy Workshops
• Objective: To help students effectively locate, evaluate, and utilize information for academic purposes. • Description: These sessions focus on enhancing students’ information literacy skills, enabling them to conduct research efficiently and critically assess sources for reliability and relevance.
Research Support Programs
• Objective: To strengthen specialized research skills and improve data management capabilities. • Description: Programs under this initiative provide guidance on advanced research techniques, proper data organization, and the effective use of online databases, fostering academic excellence and independent study.
Increased E-Book & E-Journal Subscriptions
• Objective: To broaden access to academic materials in digital formats. • Description: The library is adding more e-books and e-journals, particularly in emerging fields of study, ensuring students and faculty have timely access to relevant scholarly resources.
Open Access Initiatives
• Objective: To promote equitable access to scholarly knowledge. • Description: By expanding collections of freely accessible articles, journals, and books, the library supports open access principles and facilitates wider dissemination of academic research.
Research Data Repositories
• Objective: To provide a centralized platform for research data management. • Description: Developing or expanding repositories enables students and faculty to store, share, and access datasets easily, fostering collaboration, transparency, and reproducibility in research.
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Career Services
• Objective: To support students in preparing for and navigating their career paths. • Description: This includes resume-building workshops, job search assistance, and other professional development activities designed to enhance employability and career readiness.
Book Clubs and Common Read Programs
• Objective: To promote reading, discussion, and shared learning experiences among students. • Description: Participants engage in group discussions and events centered around selected books, fostering critical thinking, dialogue, and a sense of community.
Cultural Events
• Objective: To celebrate diversity and broaden cultural awareness. • Description: Programs include exhibitions, performances, and author talks that highlight various cultures, languages, and perspectives, promoting inclusivity and appreciation for global traditions.
Exhibits
• Objective: To engage students with special collections and important topics. • Description: Displays focus on themes such as archival materials, historical collections, or special events like Literature Awareness Week, encouraging learning outside the classroom.
“Open House” and Library Tours
• Objective: To introduce new students to the library’ s spaces, services, and resources. • Description: Guided tours and open house events familiarize students with library facilities, collections, and study areas, helping them navigate and utilize library services effectively.
Sustainable Resource Management
• Objective: To minimize the library’s carbon footprint and promote responsible resource use. • Description: Programs focus on reducing paper usage through digital-first strategies, encouraging electronic resources, and implementing environmentally conscious practices across all library operations.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
• Objective: To create immersive and interactive learning experiences.
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• Description: VR/AR technology enables virtual field trips, historical reconstructions, and interactive simulations related to course content, enhancing comprehension and engagement.
Cross-Departmental Workshops
• Objective: To equip students with the skills and tools necessary for interdisciplinary research. • Description: Collaborative workshops bring together students and faculty from multiple departments to explore research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and problem- solving strategies that span various disciplines.
Think Tanks
• Objective: To create collaborative research opportunities for tackling complex issues. • Description: Interdisciplinary research clusters within the library provide a platform for faculty and students from diverse fields to collaborate on innovative solutions to pressing global challenges, fostering creative thinking and academic synergy.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
The Learning Resources Center (LRC) continues to strengthen its international partnerships to expand its collection of digital information resources not currently available through the Saudi Digital Library (SDL). This year, the LRC is in the process of subscribing to ten leading international academic databases, providing PMU library users with access to the latest books and journals. As part of its global engagement, the LRC maintains its membership with both the British Library Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service and the OCLC WorldShare (WSS) Interlibrary Loan network, further ensuring access to materials beyond the PMU collection. Through the OCLC WSS platform, the LRC can request books, articles, and other scholarly materials from thousands of libraries worldwide, significantly expanding the breadth of academic resources available to PMU users. Most electronic articles and book chapters are delivered efficiently, often within 24 hours, enhancing research productivity. In 2025, the LRC will continue to provide comprehensive access to global scholarly content through both ILL services. Furthermore, the LRC has reinforced its collaboration agreements with prominent international publishers, including Cengage Learning, McGraw-Hill, and Taylor & Francis. These partnerships guarantee the provision of both physical and electronic books, while also supporting the publication of works by PMU authors. All publications are made available in both print and digital formats, enriching the resources accessible to the LRC community.
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QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
To enhance the overall effectiveness of the library, several key improvements are essential in staffing, resources, services, and infrastructure:
Staffing Expansion: Recruitment of additional librarians and support personnel will significantly improve customer service, facilitate the development of specialized programs, and ensure effective operations. Resource Expansion : Investment in an expanded collection of physical books, digital resources (such as e-books and online databases), and multimedia materials is critical. This will allow the library to cater to the diverse needs of its users and remain aligned with technological advancements in the information sector. Enhanced Service Offerings : Broaden the community programs, including workshops, literacy initiatives, digital literacy training, and services for youth. Collaborating with local organizations to offer joint programs and events could further strengthen community engagement and broaden the library’s impact. Infrastructure Upgrades : Modernizing library facilities, improving technological infrastructure, and ensuring accessibility are essential to creating a welcoming and functional environment for all patrons. Professional Development : Professional librarians participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops to enhance their skills and knowledge. Additionally, attending international book fairs and networking events will provide exposure to global developments and foster valuable partnerships within the global library community. Implementing these improvements will reinforce libraries as vital community hubs, attract greater library patrons, and more effectively meet the educational, cultural, and social needs of the PMU community.
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