Digital age: challenges for libraries

Information technology and globalization are the two most influential forces of the modern times. IT has given new meanings to the transmission, dissemination and storage of information; whereas globalisation is reducing the importance of geographical boundaries. Libraries as an important social institution have been affected by these changes. Information retrieval, information storage and information transmission are the core competencies of the libraries. Digital age characterized by efficient graphic user interface, digital imaging, efficient transfer and storage of texts, is presenting important challenges for the libraries. Information privacy, copyrights, and information security are some of the challenging issues faced by the libraries in digital age. This paper is an attempt to present as well as to discuss the implications of these issues so that strategies can be devised to address them effectively and efficiently

Collaboration in library and information science education in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC): Current status, challenges and future trends

Despite the growing popularity of Library and Information Science (LIS) education in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states, there is evidence of significant shortcomings in resources, expertise and facilities which may seriously threaten the future sustainability of the field. In other parts of the world, trends in regional and international collaboration and co-operation among LIS specialists are contributing to the growth and sustainability of this area of education, and generating innovative ways of addressing resource limitations and other weaknesses. This paper draws on existing literature to examine the current state of LIS education in the GCC states and to provide examples of the types of collaborative models and strategies that might be adopted from other parts of the world in order to improve LIS education in this region. The potential challenges to this process are discussed and some recommendations for consideration by LIS specialists in the GCC are put forward

Knowledge Sharing Among Industrial Enterprises in the Sultanate of Oman

This study investigates the status and nature of knowledge sharing among industrial enterprises in the Sultanate of Oman in terms of: identifying the motives of industrial enterprises in sharing or not sharing knowledge, identifying the factors that influence knowledge sharing between industrial enterprises, and suggesting a model example for knowledge sharing among industrial enterprises in Oman. The data collected through qualitative approach consists of 23 face-to-face interviews with managers from different industrial enterprises, and two focus groups. The first focus group is conducted with managers from all industrial enterprises, and the second one is conducted with managers from Nizwa industrial Estate. The most important results of the study include: most of the managers of Omani industrial enterprises lack the awareness of the concept of knowledge sharing. There is an internal knowledge sharing system at the level of units and departments within a single institution. The industrial enterprises lack specialized information centers that meet the needs of their employees, which then downgrade the potential of interactive and knowledge-sharing environment. The study proposes two model examples for knowledge sharing among Industrial enterprises of Oman: sharing knowledge within a single enterprise (internal); and sharing knowledge within a group of enterprises (external)

The Use of Online Tools by Information Professionals in Medical Libraries in Oman

Rapid development of the Internet and the emergence of a new generation of the Internet within different social software offer advantages to medical libraries in terms of their services and marketing. Medical libraries need to change the ways they provide their services based on changes in users’ needs in the digital world. The main purpose of this study is to explore the perception/attitude of information professionals in Medical libraries in Oman towards use of various online tools or so-called Web2.0. The study also intends to highlight the main challenges that prevent libraries from using these tools and applications in providing services. An online survey was used as a data collection method. Survey Monkey software was used to design the questionnaire. The survey included all medical libraries (16) in Oman. The study found that the majority of information professionals in medical libraries in Oman are aware of Web 2.0 and the majority of them use its tools within library services. The majority of information professionals reported positively regarding the use of these tools in library services. However, several challenges were identified regarding using and adopting online tools within library services. This study tried to provide a clear understanding of the ways that online tools are used and adopted by information professionals in medical libraries. It is hoped that it will make a contribution to the future development of this subject area. Keywords: Oman, Online Tools, Information Professionals, Medical Libraries, Web 2.0, Library 2.0, Librarian 2.

Social Networking Sites as Marketing and Outreach Tools of Library and Information Services

At a time when Web 2 0 applications in libraries have gained growing popularity globally it appears that the library must consider marketing its services more regularly through the Internet taking advantage of Web 2 0 applications to improve access to its users and to promote information services Many studies have discussed the importance of enhancing library services through Web 2 0 applications such as blogs wikis RSS Really Simple Syndication podcasts and social networking sites SNSs However very few studies have focused on social networking sites in relation to marketing strategies for library and information services The main purpose of this paper is to explore the varied marketing activities of libraries on SNSs focusing on Facebook as it is recognized as a popular SNS used among libraries Additionally the study introduces the role of library and information professionals LIPs within SNSs as well as user contributions to the marketing process Web content is used in a quantitative approach Twenty public libraries that have Facebook pages have been selected as subject sample

Libraries and National Security: A Review of the Evidence and a Proposed New Strategic Direction: Libraries and National Security: A Review of the Evidence and a Proposed New Strategic Direction

The article aims to identify and discuss the various roles that libraries hold with regard to national security and to use the findings to propose a more clearly delineated future role for the global and national communities which reconciles these diverse and sometimes conflicting roles. The review of literature revealed that the roles of libraries with regard to national security fall mainly into two categories.  That which has received most attention, mainly in the U.S. context, involves co-operation with the provisions of national security legislation which relate to libraries and their users and, relatedly, advocating for limits on these policies to protect the rights of citizens. The other main category comprises ways in which libraries have been shown to actively strengthen national security, such as ensuring equality of access to information and the digital literacy education necessary to understand it, providing safe community spaces where democratic values can be developed and shared, and disseminating information about national security threats to governments and citizens alike. The article is expected to be of considerable value in demonstrating how libraries can work together internationally and with national governments to help promote national security while ensuring that the rights of library users are also protected Keywords: Public Libraries, National Security, Information Specialists, IFLA, Information Dissemination, Legislations, Advocacy Role

The role of information professionals in global economic crisis

It is now generally agreed that better information use in the financial services sector might have helped to avert the economic crisis which originated in the U.S. in 2007. Similarly, it is clear that improved availability and communication of good information could have helped prevent the types of consumer and investor reactions which spread the crisis around the globe today. Drawing on a range of existing sources, this paper considers the impact of information failure and the role of information professionals in the economic crisis. It then examines how information professionals can make an important contribution to economic recovery and sets out recommendations for the profession. The paper concludes that unless information professionals play a more proactive role in making good economic and financial information readily accessible, the risk of recurrent economic crises will be increased

Readiness of Public and Private Sector Organizations for Knowledge Management: A Literature Review

This paper reviews the growing literature on organizational readiness for knowledge management (KM) in both public and private sectors. It is based on literature published during the period 1997-2016. Only original research papers have been included in this literature review. The thematic structure has been adopted. In the beginning, significance of knowledge as well as the significance and definition of KM will be clarified. Afterwards, the underlying problems and methodological issues raised in the literature will be discussed. The paper also reviews the relationship between organizational readiness and organizational and human contributing factors. Finally, significant differences in employees’ attitudes and willingness to be involved in the KM process according to different demographic variables will be examined. Research shows that it is essential to assess organizational readiness before embarking on KM projects. In addition, research indicates that both organizational factors, namely, culture, structure, and information technology (IT) infrastructure, and human factors, namely, acceptance of KM and willingness to participate in the KM process influence, organizational readiness for KM. This study is useful for researchers and practitioners to understand current trends and problems and methodological issues. This paper identifies trends, problems and methodological issues. A mixed-approach investigation consisting of both quantitative and qualitative methods is recommended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors influencing organizational readiness for KM

Librarians Learning from the Retail Sector: Reaching Out to Online Learners Using Customer Relationship Management

This article draws on existing literature to examine the case for libraries to adopt Customer Relationship Management (CRM), in order to remain competitive and to meet the needs of users, especially the growing numbers of online learners. It identifies the main challenges being faced by libraries as the information-seeking environment evolves, examines the potential role of CRM in addressing these challenges, and explores the barriers as well as the opportunities that must be addressed by libraries to help ensure the success of CRM initiatives.