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Article
Publication date: 8 May 2017

Ali Saif Al-Aufi, Nabhan Al-Harrasi, Shahid Al-Balushi and Hamed Al-Azri

The purpose of this study is to investigate the status, challenges and impacts of the Arab international book fairs, with particular focus on the Muscat Book Fair. This study…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the status, challenges and impacts of the Arab international book fairs, with particular focus on the Muscat Book Fair. This study proposes a framework to assist in the design and organisation of future Arab book fairs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a variety of methods to obtain data, including questionnaires, site visits (both regional and international), observations and interviews. A literature review was also undertaken which helped determine major worldwide issues related to aspects of book fairs and the publishing industry, focusing on Arab book fairs.

Findings

Arab international book fairs remain relatively traditional, however, there are several examples of innovative improvements in some states. Reading habits and literacy trends were found to be influenced by dominant socio-cultural factors, emphasising religion and children’s literature. This seems to have a reverse effect on the publishing industry. Results also revealed a number of disadvantages related to economic downturns and political instability. Despite continuous expansion, Arab book fairs still suffer from various obstacles which affect the publishing industry’s growth. There are other obstacles that they face which are directly associated with distribution and marketing as well as violations of intellectual property laws.

Practical implications

This study proposes a framework for future improvement of the Muscat Book Fair. It discusses the engagement of local cultural institutions, non-profit community and academic organisations, as well as private sector organisations. These will leverage value and help keep abreast of international developments in book fairs/publishing. It is hoped that the proposed framework will be beneficial to those running book fairs at a regional level, and to countries with developing economies.

Originality/value

There have been no previous empirical studies investigating book fairs in the Arab states. This study adds to the currently scarce body of literature related to book fairs and the publishing industry.

Details

Information and Learning Science, vol. 118 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5348

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 4 February 2021

Ali Saif Said Al-Aufi, Nabhan Al-Harrasi and Azhar Al-Abri

The purpose of this study was to identify the status of using crowdsourcing to develop information services through the Twitter platform and to determine the factors affecting…

555

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the status of using crowdsourcing to develop information services through the Twitter platform and to determine the factors affecting such usage.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative action research approach was employed to achieve the objectives of the study and to provide answers to the research questions. The effectiveness of using crowdsourcing technique for improving information services has been explored through five procedural stages: diagnostics, action planning, action taking, evaluation and determined learning. Three tools were used to collect data: open interviews, content analysis of the sampled accounts on Twitter and users' perceptions regarding information services.

Findings

The results of the study revealed that crowdsourcing was not used in the development of information services per se, but it has been used for other purposes. The results also revealed that several factors influenced the adoption of using crowdsourcing to develop information services, including factors related to the institutional trust in crowds' capabilities, the nature of service and type of the needed development, and finally, the platform used to conduct crowdsourcing. The results of the action research proved that using crowdsourcing to develop information services could be effective.

Practical implications

The study suggests a model that can be used to test changes implemented in organizations, especially regarding adoption of crowdsourcing as a framework to achieve the objectives of the institution, particularly in the planning processes.

Originality/value

This research paper produces new knowledge through using a qualitative action research approach to understand the potential of social media in crowdsourcing. There have been no similar studies conducted in the region for the specified research design. The results add to the level of learning and raise awareness within the research community regarding the effectiveness of using crowdsourcing via social media platforms to improve the efficiency of information services.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 40 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 11 February 2014

Nabhan Al Harrasi and Naeema Hassan Jabur

– The purpose of this paper is to identify contributing factors, both internal and external, that will ensure a successful collaboration between Omani academic libraries.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify contributing factors, both internal and external, that will ensure a successful collaboration between Omani academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was adopted, and 23 individual interviews were conducted with representatives from participating libraries.

Findings

Collaboration among Omani libraries is a complex situation and its chances for success are dependent upon a host of factors, including the participating libraries' staffing, management, financial resources, and available technology as well as support from university administrators.

Originality/value

This paper presents the findings of original research conducted by the author and reports on the nascent stages of library cooperation in Oman and in a region that is not often covered in library literature.

Details

Interlending & Document Supply, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-1615

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Article
Publication date: 13 April 2012

Nabhan Al‐Harrasi and Ali Al‐Aufi

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes and views of library directors and key librarians on issues related to library collaboration and its impact on the…

631

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes and views of library directors and key librarians on issues related to library collaboration and its impact on the welfare of advanced and cost‐effective systems of library and information services.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was utilized through the use of semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews for collecting needed data from library directors and key librarians in four major universities located in diverse regions in Oman. Collected data were transcribed and relevant themes and patterns were identified following an interpretive thematic approach.

Findings

Results show that participants indicated an overall positive attitude toward library collaboration in an academic setting. They believed in the desired individual and institutional benefits that they would gain if their libraries or parent organizations developed and enhanced a collaborative system. The three most important advantages of collaboration were emphasized. They are: to enlarge and improve the library services, including increasing users' access to inter‐library information resources; to reduce costs by sharing manpower and resources; and to share experience through communication and enhance skills and knowledge of staff through collaborative training.

Practical implications

The paper provides an overview and insights into demanding issues related to academic library collaboration in Oman. The result of this study helps propose a frame‐work or strategy for the purpose of initiating and developing a new system of academic library collaboration in Oman.

Originality/value

Library collaboration, overall, has hardly been studied in Oman, or at least in the context of academic librarianship. This paper highlights the importance of library collaboration and its impact on the changing environment of academic libraries.

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Article
Publication date: 4 April 2016

Rahma Al-Kharousi, Naeema H Jabur, Abdelmajed Bouazza and Nabhan Al-Harrasi

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the different factors that affect using Web 2.0 applications in Omani academic libraries (OALs).

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the different factors that affect using Web 2.0 applications in Omani academic libraries (OALs).

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 29 interviews with directors and library staff of five OALs were conducted for the purpose of collecting data for the current research.

Findings

The results indicated that there are nine internal factors and four external factors that affect using Web 2.0 applications in OALs. Internal factors include the low motivation of directors and library staff regarding using of Web 2.0 applications, lack of training and constant changes in the management structure. Meanwhile, the external factors are related to lack of policy and regulations and weakness and low speed of the internet.

Practical implications

Most academic libraries in Oman have not yet adopted Web 2.0 applications to enhance their services. Therefore, this study intends to open insight into the state of Web 2.0 adoption in academic libraries and will help library managers to understand factors facing the use of Web 2.0 applications in their libraries, and this could signal a basis for policy shift in the internet infrastructure especially in the institutions of the higher education.

Originality/value

This research is the first study in the field of Web 2.0 applications in OALs that investigates the factors affecting the use of Web 2.0 applications in academic libraries in general and in OALs specifically.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

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