The potential of inter‐state collaboration for Omani academic libraries

Abstract

PurposeThe 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/approachA 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.FindingsResults 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 implicationsThe 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/valueLibrary 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.

Collaborating with Nonlibrary Faculty for Assessment and Improved Instruction

“…The main thrust of collaboration between libraries focuses on the cost-effective delivery of services to patrons (Al-Harrasi & Al-Aufi, 2012;Breeding, 2013;Drake, 2010;Wilson, 2012).…”

Cooperation between Learning Resource Centers at Colleges of Applied Sciences, Oman

“…Collaborative projects in technical services have several proven advantages. They notably save time and effort for workers in cataloging, classification and data entry, and facilitate accurate information retrieval that achieves satisfaction of the beneficiaries (Al-Harrasi & Al-Aufi, 2012).…”

The role of the document delivery service at an evolving research library in Saudi Arabia

“…This is especially the case in Middle East countries generally because of the lack of library cooperation and resource sharing. Thus, private sector companies take their place as the principal agents of document supply (Al Fadhli and Johnson, 2006;Al-Harrasi and Al-Aufi, 2012;Arif et al, 1998;Shabani et al, 2012;Biranvand and Moghaddam, 2013) including article-on-demand delivery services from various publishers or platforms.…”