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In recent years, changes in the library environment have led to increased emphases on improving or restructuring the organizational structures of academic libraries. Technology, trends toward access over ownership, customer focus, and restructuring in higher education are some of the major factors contributing to these changes. This paper also describes the ways in which the traditional hierarchical structure can be modified so that the library will be more responsive to changes in the external environment. A particular emphasis on the case of the Kuwait University libraries provides an applied perspective. The paper also describes the strategies employed to conceptualize change in the organizational structure. Problems in the implementation of a revised organizational structure are also highlighted.

A study was conducted to assess the potential of six library and information education programs in preparing manpower for the digital environment. The situation of six schools in the member nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council has been analyzed by collecting data from the schools heads and 49 faculty members, focusing on: curricular changes; faculty size and its research and publication record; hardware equipment and software packages available for instruction; use of digital resources such as databases, online services, and electronic utilities for instruction; and availability of periodicals, books, and electronic resources for instructional activity. This study has brought forth a number of crucial issues related to these factors. Unless these schools take significant developmental or remedial initiatives, they cannot fare well in coping with the changes wrought by the digital imperatives.

The study is designed to explore the application of information technology in various operations and services in special libraries in Kuwait.

The data were collected through a questionnaire accompanied by interviews with head librarians in 25 special libraries in Kuwait.

This study provides baseline data on the current status of the application of information and communication technology (ICT). The majority of the libraries are partially automated. The library catalogue was found to be the most popular area for automation. More than one fourth of the libraries are still using manual systems in their library operations and services. Lack of adequate personnel, ICT training programs, and low priority of libraries within their organization are major obstacles for ICT application in special libraries.

This paper will have implications for the development of special libraries in Kuwait. It also indicates existing obstacles, difficulties, suggestion and recommendations for further development.

It is the first study of the status of ICT applications in special libraries in Kuwait. Its findings should help researchers and decision makers to improve the current information infrastructure

This study is designed to investigate the patterns of internet use by the faculty including purposes for use, its impact on teaching and research, internet resources that they use, and the problems faced while using the internet.

A questionnaire, expert‐reviewed and pilot‐tested, was used to collect data from the faculty coming from four colleges of Kuwait University, i.e. Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, and Engineering. Half of the 491 potential participants were selected as the sample, with a response rate of 62.6 percent.

A large majority have been using the computer and internet for more than five years. They use the internet mostly for, and give importance to, e‐mail, search engines, and WWW resources mainly for communication, research, and publication. It has helped them to save time, find up to date information, and cooperate with their colleagues. Slow speed, lack of time, and lack of access from home are the major problems. Most of them are interested in improving the internet use skills through formal training.

Kuwait University needs to improve its IT infrastructure, including providing distance access, and to provide formal training in the use of internet resources.

This is the first comprehensive study of the use of the internet by the Kuwait University faculty. Its findings should help Kuwait University in its plans and programmes related to e‐learning and strengthen pertinent resources and services of its libraries.

This paper reports the results of an investigation in current continuing professional development practices, perceptions of academic library employers about skills that need to be developed in their staff in the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. A mailed questionnaire was used to collect data from 15 publicly funded academic institutions; 13 responded. Analysis shows that a systematic staff development program is generally lacking. Current continuing professional development activities focus on immediate institutional needs. Information and communication technology skills preferred relate to automated systems, electronic resources, networking, and multimedia applications. Writing and research skills related to measurement and evaluation, studying information needs, and report writing received higher ranks. The paper concludes with a number of recommendations which are made in order to improve the situation.

Purpose: The best way of improving youth entrepreneurs’ success rates is to provide youth entrepreneurs with quality support, skills, and resources to be better equipped and willing to make any decision that makes them creative with time. This chapter explores youth entrepreneurship in the MENA region as educating young people about entrepreneurship is crucial today and is about developing new businesses in the region.

Design/methodology/approach: The chapter mainly aims at the role of academia in boosting entrepreneurship among young people in the UAE. Then the literature provides insights on the substantial gender effect on becoming an entrepreneur and the region’s job market.

Findings: Our research indicates that the global economy is witnessing a sudden rise in entrepreneurship in all life areas, based on current world dynamics. Thus, young people must learn and accomplish skills that promote creativity for doing business. For young people to have the requisite skills to start their businesses, educational programs must be in line with industry requirements.

Originality/value: This chapter of the book focuses on youth entrepreneurship, which would help upcoming researchers and students grasp good knowledge about entrepreneurship’s importance. It also recommends relevant research areas on MENA youth entrepreneurship support programs.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, religiosity, knowledge and Shariah-compliance with intention to hold Shariah-compliant credit card (SCCC) amongst Muslims and non-Muslims.

Researchers used survey questionnaire to collect data and applied a purposive sampling method, then analyzing the data using descriptive statistics and also multi-group analysis of SmartPLS.

For Muslims, attitude, subjective norm, Shariah-compliance, knowledge and religiosity are positively significant. While for non-Muslims, only attitude and subjective norm are positively significant to intention to hold SCCCs.

The behavioural study only focusses on intention to hold Islamic credit cards, which is constraining the extended model of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) without the actual performance of the behaviour, which is holding SCCCs. Secondly, the research caters for a single method, namely, quantitative without including the qualitative method to better understand and explore other factors affecting consumers’ behavioural intention. The qualitative part can be carried out by conducting interviews with practitioners, regulators and customers. Thirdly, the cultural dimensions are not combined as parts of TPBs’ antecedents for extended model that could be affecting intention, as Malaysia has diverse ethnic groups with different religious background.

In terms of managerial implications, the findings will further assist financial service providers to develop more effective marketing strategies for Islamic financial products not just to cater for the Muslims but also the non-Muslims, who are increasingly attracted to Islamic banking. As many Muslims are still holding conventional credit cards, it is timely for the Islamic financial institutions to attract them with the SCCCs.

Financial marketers are expected to be qualified and well-versed on the different Islamic product structures and also the conventional products. By having such enables them to enlighten and create awareness amongst the targeted consumers in seeking Shariah-compliant financial-related products.

The research will contribute to new theoretical knowledge of an extended behavioural model in relation to customers’ perception towards SCCCs’ acceptance.