ANNUAL REVIEW: THE SCIENTIFIC LIBRARY – “A PARADISE FOR BOOK LOVERS”

In the regular “Annual Review” section, we present the Scientific Library of Abai University. A library is not merely a place for storing books; it is a space where knowledge and thought intersect, and where science and spirituality are harmoniously united. Here, every book is a voice from the past, and every reader is the owner of the future. The Scientific Library of Abai University connects the intellectual heritage of humanity accumulated over centuries with the present generation, becoming a golden bridge leading to knowledge. The collection of this “paradise for book lovers” is expanding every year.

Abai Library is the main spiritual center of Abai University. Founded in 1928, it is now one of the largest university libraries in the country and an active member of the Association of Libraries of Higher Education Institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The library is collection exceeds 1.7 million items, including rare editions from the 17th–19th centuries. In 2025, the library played an important role in fulfilling the university is educational, research, and cultural-enlightenment mission, carrying out its activities in a systematic and effective manner.

In 2025, the library is collection was expanded in accordance with the university is educational programs and enriched with 4,956 new items of textbooks, teaching and methodological materials, scientific literature, and fiction. As of today in 2025, the total collection of the library comprises 1,716,371 items.

The Scientific Library served 22,356 users. The annual number of book loans amounted to 987,548, while the number of visits reached 1,588,653. The electronic library was accessed 189,570 times, and the library is website was viewed 371,236 times.

The library operates using the automated IRBIS 64+ system. The number of bibliographic records in the electronic catalog is 105,252. The electronic library is available to users 24/7 via the university website, as well as through the Univer and Abaidigital platforms.

This year, approximately 40 scientific and cultural events were organized at the Scientific Library, including international forums, scientific weeks, book presentations, seminars, webinars, and book exhibitions. Meaningful events dedicated to the 180th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayuly highlighted the importance of the library as a scientific and cultural center. In addition, a modern typhlological complex for users with special needs operates on a permanent basis at Abai Library.

It should be noted that the total area of the Scientific Library is 1,476 square meters. The library structure includes 7 departments (acquisitions and processing, cataloging and systematization, book storage, user services and service support, automation, cultural and leisure activities, and information and bibliographic services), 5 reading rooms with 368 seats, and an electronic resources room with 40 seats. As a result of the implementation of RFID technologies, the reading rooms in academic buildings No. 5 and No. 10 operate in an open and accessible format.

The Scientific Library of Abai University will continue to provide high-quality information support to students and researchers, harmoniously combining tradition and innovation, books and digital technologies, and will further develop as a modern intellectual center serving education and science. For students, it is a source of knowledge; for scholars, a space for free thought and research; and for society, a reliable pillar in preserving spiritual values and guiding the way to the future.

Press Service

Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University