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Dissertation Information for Hisham A. Abbas

NAME:
- Hisham A. Abbas

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- University of Pittsburgh (USA) (1982)

ADVISORS:
- Wendell Wray

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Richard Andrew Krzys
- E. Blanche Woolls
- Glenn Nelson
- Ellen Detlefsen

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: A PLAN FOR PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract: This study has attempted to (1) review the background and development of public libraries in Saudi Arabia; (2) survey the current status, and to assess the present and future needs of public libraries; (3) to develop a plan of action to establish a national public library system for Saudi Arabia.

The methodology utilized for data collection consisted of an analysis of the literature, questionnaires, and interviews. Questionnaires were sent to all fifty-six public library directors in Saudi Arabia to secure data in regard to administration, personnel, resources, physical facilities, and services in public libraries. These data were supplemented by interviews conducted with librarians, administrators, and top government officials. Additional interviews were devised to elicit expert opinion on library training, the existing situation of public library system and the requirements for establishing a national public library system. Data gathered were also compared with similar systems in other countries as described in the literature.

The data analysis indicated that public libraries have been functioning in Saudi Arabia for a long time, but their impact and role in the socioeconomic and educational ventures are far less than it should be for the following reasons: (1) absence of public library legislation; (2) insufficient funds; (3) lack of needed resources; (4) shortage of qualified personnel; (5) inadequate facilities; (6) lack of appreciation of the role of public libraries in the national development; (7) absence of planning; (8) lack of cooperation and coordination; and (9) inadequacy of programs and services.

Based on the findings, a plan has been proposed for a plan of action to establish a national system for public libraries in Saudi Arabia. The proposed plan defines what the system should be able to do and comprises the requirements necessary for implementing the system. While several alternatives for organizational structure were presented, the centralized approach was recommended.

MPACT Scores for Hisham A. Abbas

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:22:22

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