Integrated systems applications in Kuwait academic libraries
| Pages | 858-872 |
| Date | 16 November 2010 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471011093543 |
| Published date | 16 November 2010 |
| Author | Sajjad ur Rehman,Reham Al‐Huraiti |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Integrated systems applications
in Kuwait academic libraries
Sajjad ur Rehman and Reham Al-Huraiti
College of Social Sciences, Kuwait University, Kaifan, Kuwait
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the integrated systems applications in Kuwaiti
academic libraries with a particular emphasis on their profiles, procurement, implementation,
management and service aspects.
Design/methodology/approach – The survey method was employed for the study. Procedures
used were as follows: identification of Kuwaiti academic libraries; preparation and testing of survey
instrument; physical visits and administration of the instruments; interpreting the instruments and
having them filled out in one-to-one encounters; analysis of data; and write-up and reporting.
Findings – Three of the six Kuwaiti higher education institutions were established during the last
decade. Five of the six academic libraries are using an integrated system. Cataloging applications are
almost complete in all the surveyed libraries. The circulation module has not been in use in the largest
university library. Serials management is not optimally utilized in the surveyed libraries. The library
managers are mostly satisfied with hardware/software, vendor support, physical facilities, and
funding opportunities. There are opportunities for networking, system-integration, and full utilization
of management reporting aspects of these systems.
Research limitations/implications – The study does not assess the technical aspects of
automated systems. Portals and digital library initiatives have not been covered in this study.
Practical implications – Academic libraries in the region may take useful clues from these findings
for developing and managing their automated systems.
Originality/value – Since no similar study has been conducted in Kuwait, it enhances the
understanding of the prevailing situation about the use of integrated systems and their applications in
the country.
Keywords Library automation,Kuwait, Academic libraries
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Integrated library systems (ILS) provide a set of applications to perform the business
and technical functions of a library such as acquisition, cataloging, circulation, and the
provision of public access (Kochtanek and Matthews, 2002). These systems allow use rs
to search for books, periodical articles, and electronic resources such as computer files
and web sites in one operation using a single interface, instead of searching online
catalogs, bibliographic databases, and web search engines separately (Reitz, 2004).
Seamless access is a goal that still remains to be realized in some libraries. ALA’s
Library Technology Report, 2003 maintained that since the definition of library and
information science (LIS) was shifting in the changing face of technology, next
generation systems are being developed to cater for the emerging needs of seamless
access and integrated management.
Integrated online library systems (IOLS) and library management system (LMS) are
other terms often used to describe an ILS. The American Library Association (2003)
statement provided that regardless of definition, an ILS must be able to handle many
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
EL
28,6
858
Received 19 July 2009
Revised 25 October 2009
Accepted 27 October 2009
The Electronic Library
Vol. 28 No. 6, 2010
pp. 858-872
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640471011093543
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