The long-awaited King Fahd National Library (KFNL) in Riyadh will be re-opened for researchers only, while the official inauguration marking the event will be announced later, according to a statement released by a top library official on Tuesday.

The landmark library in the capital underwent massive renovation works to meet world-class specifications and services, both in its structure and intellectual resources.

In his statement, the secretary general of the library, Mohammed Al-Rashed, said that starting Sunday, the library will reopen its doors to researchers in the mornings and evenings. This follows the completion of the library’s internal restructuring of its book collection system during the transition period.

Recently, the library inked a three- year contract with Etihad Atheeb Telecom (EAT) to provide hardware, software and high-speed Internet services using modern technology compatible with international standards in the field of conservation and information management.

The agreement will enhance the range and quality of services provided by the library through state-of-the-art technology to meet the needs of its expansion program.

“The library is witnessing a shift in quality and quantity after the completion of the expansion project,” Al-Rashed said, adding that KFNL is a national library directly involved in the acquisition and preservation of national intellectual output under its own system which forms a basis for the sources of references used by researchers and scholars.

He said that KFNL would provide smooth services through a sophisticated system and up-to-date information as part of its database. This paradigm shift will help every visitor to the library and will reflect positively on the country’s rich cultural heritage and history.

“The library will spare no effort in providing upgraded services through the realization of the vision supported by a number of projects that will see the light soon,” he concluded.

According to him, KFNL has the largest national archive of historical photographs of the Kingdom along with a comprehensive database that reflects its leading role in documenting the national and local cultural heritage.