2134/7530
Mohammed A. Basager
Mohammed A.
Basager
Evaluation of electronic information services in academic libraries in Saudi Arabia
Loughborough University
2010
Academic libraries
Saudi Arabia
Electronic information systems
Information and Computing Sciences not elsewhere classified
2010-12-06 09:51:48
Thesis
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/thesis/Evaluation_of_electronic_information_services_in_academic_libraries_in_Saudi_Arabia/9415784
This study aims to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of the information
technology services in academic libraries in Saudi Arabia and to propose ways in which
these services could be developed.
The methodology applies theoretical models, questionnaires and structured interviews.
Two models were developed to investigate the behaviour of academic staff and students,
the first representing users' cognitive attitudes and the degree of user-satisfaction with the
services provided. The second model examines interactions between the university
administration, computer centres and libraries. Questionnaires and interviews have been
used to generate empirical findings.
The main findings concentrate on the following issues. Most respondents had used
computers either on or off campus. Use of computers at the selected universities was
found to vary significantly. Respondents from science faculties were found to use
technology more than other users. IT systems, network infrastructure and the availability
of qualified staff were, to varying degrees, found to be a constant source of concern and a
hindrance to the provision of effective services. There was no consistent pattern of use
and there was frequently a failure to provide any service at all. The only means for
academic staff and users to gain access to the Internet was through departmental
provision as, at the time of this research, this was not available in the libraries. A lack of
funding, qualified staff, programmers and connections to the computer networks are
regarded as major reasons for not providing efficient electronic services to users.
The main recommendations of this study are that coordination and co-operation between
libraries, making full use of technology, should be established. Universities should lobby
the Finance Ministry to argue for a change in the regulations to allow libraries to generate
their own revenue in order to enhance existing services. University administrations,
computer centres and academic departments should establish formal procedures to
provide effective electronic services to users. The present provision of training facilities
for both staff and students needs to be extensively reviewed and enhanced.