The utilisation of new ICT services in academic libraries in the state of Kuwait : an interpretive case study

Ghuloum, H

Abstract

Information and communication Technology (ICT) holds the key to the success of modernising
information services. Hence, ICT services impacted on every sphere of academic library activity as
well as presenting an opportunity to provide value-added information services and access to a wide
variety of digital-based information resources to their users. Today, academic libraries are using
modern ICT services to automate their main functions, implement efficient and effective library
cooperation and resource sharing networks, implement management information systems, develop
institutional repositories of digital local content, and initiate ICT-based capacity building
programmes for library staff and information literacy programmes for library users. However,
innovative use of ICT services in Kuwait Academic Libraries (KAL) is not widespread and it is
made difficult by several challenges, including lack of funds to sustain the ICT infrastructure,
inability by library staff to keep up with the developments in ICT, quality and quantity of ICT
facilities in the libraries, inadequate qualified staff to manage ICT services both at the strategic and
operational levels, absence of institutional policies and strategies to support and guide the use of
ICT services in the libraries. Hence, this study focuses on the Public Authority for Applied
Education and Training (PAAET), which is one of the most important higher education institutions
in the State of Kuwait. The purpose of this research is twofold. Firstly, to investigate the main
challenges facing the implementation of ICT solution in academic libraries; and secondly to
develop a strategic framework for ICT implementation in academic libraries in the State of
Kuwait.
Multiple data gathering techniques has been used, including questionnaire, interview, observation,
documentation, in order to thoroughly understand the phenomenon. The findings identify that
there is the imbalance in the implementation of ICT services in the KAL libraries. The main
reasons for this shortage are the lack of technological services, the lack of financial support, the
lack of awareness among society regarding these libraries and finally, the lack of cooperation
among the decision makers in the Ministry of Higher Education and the KAL management. To
conclude, the results emphasize the need to better understand the importance of ICT in the
academic libraries as well as highlight the need for decision makers in the Ministry of Higher
Education and KAL to review and improve the current situation. Although the research is limited
to academic libraries in the State of Kuwait, the study may be equally applicable to other academic
libraries in many analogous developing countries

Citation

Ghuloum, H. The utilisation of new ICT services in academic libraries in the state of Kuwait : an interpretive case study. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2012