Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Fall 12-13-2021
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to chart the evolution of libraries in Islamic civilization from the period of the Khulafaur-Rashidun to the Ottoman Caliphate. Using a qualitative historical approach, this study delves into the history of Islamic libraries throughout various periods of Islamic authority. The findings of this study reveal that the development of Islamic library civilization can be separated into numerous distinct phases, some of which correspond to the caliphate period. Almost all libraries in the Islamic era were waqf-based. This study is divided into thirteen periods, with each period explaining the history of Islamic libraries through a connection to the personalities who played a role in it and to the specific year. This is a fundamental study that demonstrates how Islamic libraries evolved over time to become the cornerstone to a flourishing civilization during Islam's heyday.