Khalfan Zahran Al Hijji and Mohammad Khamis Al-Busaidi
This study aims to explore the roles and skills of Omani academic cataloguing librarians in facilitating access to various kinds of traditional and digital information resources…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the roles and skills of Omani academic cataloguing librarians in facilitating access to various kinds of traditional and digital information resources and challenges confronting them in fulfilling that task.
Design/methodology/approach
Data for this research were gathered from 37 academic libraries in the country through a questionnaire sent to their cataloguing librarians. Google Docs format was used for cumulating and presenting quantitative data, whilst content analysis was utilized for gathering the qualitative data in specific themes according to the research questions.
Findings
The obvious findings are that Omani academic cataloguers still perform the traditional cataloguing functions, including copy and original cataloguing, and maintain authority files. Moreover, more than half of the respondents have the skills required for working in groups and are familiar with cataloguing tools such as RDA rules and BIBFRAME. However, cataloguers lack familiarity with computer languages (XML, PMH, OAI, RDF) and metadata.
Practical implications
The research concludes with suggestions to libraries for improving librarians’ skills and performance through such as provision of proficient training and establishment of a collaborative body.
Originality/value
This research addresses an area of interest to most librarians. However, few researchers in the authors’ region have focused on this topic. The study, therefore, aims to contribute to filling this gap through assessing whether cataloguers in Oman have the skills and roles required for organizing various information resources in the digital era.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to investigate methods that are used for analyzing strategically various aspects of academic libraries in Oman.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate methods that are used for analyzing strategically various aspects of academic libraries in Oman.
Design/methodology/approach
A research framework was designed to explore various steps of conceptualizing, collecting, analyzing data, and reporting results. Data gathered through in‐depth interviews with participants represented different management levels of academic libraries in the country. The analysis process utilized content analysis to shape the relationship between categories that were subjected to formulate knowledge.
Findings
The results indicate that strategic analysis process has been practiced in 40 percent of academic libraries in Oman, utilizing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis technique. However, all respondents identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of their libraries under one or more of the following factors: information resources; administrative support; human resources; financial resources; building and space; facilities and equipment; and cooperation and communication. Yet, the priority and importance of each issue to each library varies from one institution to another, according to size and history of each university.
Research limitations/implications
The great differences in history, size, and infrastructure between the institutions investigated had affected the selection of the research population. Moreover, reports, statistics, existed in some libraries found unable to provide the necessary data, which forced the researcher to depend on the data gathered from respondents in building the research knowledge.
Originality/value
This research fills part of the gap that exists in the strategic management of information services. It is the first study shedding light on the application of strategic analysis in academic libraries in Oman.
Details
Keywords
Khalfan Zahran Al Hijji and Andrew M. Cox
The purpose of this paper is to investigate measurement methods that are in use in various aspects of academic libraries in Oman.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate measurement methods that are in use in various aspects of academic libraries in Oman.
Design/methodology/approach
The framework of the research was built to explore various steps of conceptualizing, collecting, analyzing data, and reporting results. Data gathered through in‐depth interviews with participants represented different management levels. The analysis process utilized content analysis to shape the relationship between categories that were subjected to formulate knowledge.
Findings
Results show that all libraries have used one method or more in evaluating the progress of their services, and the performance of their staff members. These include: surveys; reports; KPIs; statistics; and interviews, in addition to appraisal forms which are used for staff evaluation. Alongside internal evaluation by librarians, an external evaluation by OAC and other international bodies took place in some libraries.
Research limitations/implications
The research was challenged by great differences in history, size, and infrastructure between the institutions, which had affected the selection of the research population. Moreover, reports and statistics which existed in some libraries could not provide the necessary data, which forced the researcher to depend on the data gathered from respondents in building the research knowledge.
Originality/value
This study aims to fill part of the gap which exists in measurement processes of information services, as it is the first study shedding light on evaluation methods in academic libraries in Oman.
Details
Keywords
Academic libraries do not operate in a vacuum; they must co-exist with change and competition on all levels. In order to succeed, they must know their internal strengths in order…
Abstract
Purpose
Academic libraries do not operate in a vacuum; they must co-exist with change and competition on all levels. In order to succeed, they must know their internal strengths in order to take advantage of opportunities, whilst avoiding threats and addressing weaknesses. A SWOT analysis of Jamaican academic libraries can yield strategic insights for academic library praxis in Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the globe. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey and discussion group were engaged for the five local academic libraries in higher education in Jamaica.
Findings
Human resources and support are the most recurrent themes in the reported strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Research limitations/implications
This paper focused on local academic libraries in higher education (university level) in Jamaica. A survey of academic libraries at all levels, and using more detailed strategic analytical tools, would be a useful follow up.
Practical implications
This paper provides academic library managers and the national/regional library associations with a situational analysis of Jamaican academic librarianship, which can be used to inform future planning and management of library and information services. Additionally, the findings can inform the Latin America and Caribbean section of international library documents on trends, issues and future position of academic libraries globally.
Originality/value
This paper is of value as it is the first published scholarly documentation on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in academic librarianship in Jamaica. In this regard, it makes a useful contribution to the dearth of literature on SWOT analyses of academic libraries per country. It may also represent a starting point for looking at solutions and emerging challenges in a Caribbean academic library environment and should help to focus on the need for continuing innovation.