Application of information and communication technologies in special libraries in Kuwait
| Date | 09 August 2011 |
| Pages | 457-469 |
| Published date | 09 August 2011 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471111156731 |
| Author | Husain Al‐Ansari |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Application of information and
communication technologies in
special libraries in Kuwait
Husain Al-Ansari
Department of Library and Information Science, College of Social Sciences,
Kuwait University, Kuwait
Abstract
Purpose – The study is designed to explore the application of information technology in various
operations and services in special libraries in Kuwait.
Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected through a questionnaire accompanied
by interviews with head librarians in 25 special libraries in Kuwait.
Findings – 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.
Practical implications – 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.
Originality/value – 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
Keywords Information technology, Communicationtechnologies, Special libraries,Kuwait
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Kuwait, a small country in south-western Asia, is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the
south and Iraq to the north. The population of Kuwait is 3.3 million out of which about
70 per cent are expatriates. The country’s total area is 6,880 square miles. Kuwait’s
economy depends mainly on crude oil, petrochemical industries, and overseas
investments. Its economy has evolved from the pre-petroleum phase of sea-trade and
small domestic market to its post-petroleum integration with the international systems
of production and multinational corporations.
Kuwait has seen extraordinary growth in the past two decades, due largely to its oil
resources and the wealth these resources have brought to all aspects of life in the
country. Kuwait’s government infrastructure has also become more complex as its
international dealings have proliferated. A multitude of departments and ministries,
most with libraries and information services, support the government. About 40
special libraries are attached to government ministries and organizations. Others are
attached to academic and research institutions, and private and non-governmental
organizations.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
Information and
communication
technologies
457
Received December 2009
Revised March 2010
Accepted April 2010
The Electronic Library
Vol. 29 No. 4, 2011
pp. 457-469
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640471111156731
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