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An Automated bibliographic network for the libraries of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a feasibility study by Mohammed AI-KhuIaifi Ph.D. Thesis University College London 1997 ProQuest Number: 10017339 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. uest. ProQuest 10017339 Published by ProQuest LLC(2016). Copyright of the Dissertation is held by the Author. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. ProQuest LLC 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 ABSTRACT The purpose of this study has been to investigate the desirability and possibility of establishing an automated bibliographic network among Riyadh's libraries, to examine the technical problems involved which prevent Riyadh libraries' computer systems being linked on-line for the purposes of co-operation and sharing, to assess the potential benefits of library networking, and to propose a management plan for Riyadh’s libraries network. The methodology used was the survey research technique. Data were collected with questionnaires, interviews, and analysis of relevant literature in order to survey the present networking activities in other countries, the important of standards and the different computer protocol suites. The questionnaire was designed to collect information on the present status of Riyadh City libraries' names, types, collections, computerization, computer type, operating systems, software retrieval systems, computer storage capacities, telecommunication networks, and information technology (IT) budgets. The questionnaire was distributed to the heads of forty-six libraries of all types in Riyadh City. Forty-two questionnaires were returned to the researcher. Interviews were conducted with twelve carefully selected libraries to obtain a view of interviewed libraries' purposes of using computers, the catalogue scripts, number of items purchased every month, number of serials subscription, number of materials waiting for technical processing every month, manpower resources and the expected benefits of library networking. Based on the findings, Riyadh City has a sufficiently large range of different types of libraries - with varied collections and offering a wide range of services - to make the proposed network desirable and feasible. With regard to the automation used by Riyadh's 3 libraries, approximately half (twenty-one) of them employ some form of automation, while most of the remaining libraries were willing to become automated in the near future. With regard to the technical aspects of establishing the proposed network among Riyadh libraries and linking their computers on-line, an open system protocol suite is required to achieve information mobility and to ensure that all Riyadh's libraries' computers communicate to each other. Two main open protocol suites have now emerged: TCP/IP and OSI. In the case of the computerization circumstances of Riyadh's libraries, the study suggests that either of these protocol suites may be applicable, but the OSI protocol standards would be more feasible for a number of reasons described in the study. Finally, a management plan for Riyadh’s libraries network (RLNET) was presented according to the following: framework, mission; objectives; organizational structure; legal agreement; functions and services; technical solutions; funding; timetable and an action plan. DEDICATION To my parents, wife and children ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Grateful acknowledgement is extended to the Government of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; The Ministry of Higher Education; Imam University, Social Sciences College, Department of Library and Information Science; and Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau to the UK for their support, awarding me a scholarship and a study leave to carry out this research. Throughout the period of my research I received help from a number of people who deserve my sincere thanks. 1 would like to express my sincerest appreciation to my supervisor Mr. John Mcllwaine for his patience and invaluable advise with various aspects of this thesis, similarly to my previous supervisor Professor R.C. Alston for his guidance, interest and encouragement. Thanks also go to the staff of the School of Library, Archive and Information Studies, University College London, and to all my colleagues who have provided the friendly environment during the research, especially in the seminar days. I wish to thank Mr. Philip Bryant, Mr. Lorcan Dempsey, and Mr. John Smith in the United Kingdom Office for Library and Information Networking (UKOLN), who gave me valuable advise and information. I would also extend my thanks to OCLC Europe, BLAISE, BLCMP, SLS, CURL, and CERL networks staff for their kind co-operation and providing me with essential materials in regard to their current activities. In Riyadh, I am indebted to all participants in the questioimaire survey and the interviews, and to all people who have been of great assistance in providing the pertinent materials. Special thanks must go to Dr. Nasser Al-Swydan and Dr. Salem Al-Salem for their continuous support, advice and encouragement. I am grateful to Mr. David for his kindness in reading and editing the text of this thesis. Finally I want to say without the support, encouragement, love of my parents I would not be able to be here. My thanks go also to my brothers and sisters and their families for their support and assistance. Many thanks to my wife and children for their moral support throughout my stay in Britain. 7 CONTENTS PAGE Abstract .................................................................................................................................. 2 Dedication .............................................................................................................................4 Acknowledgements ...............................................................................................................5 List of Tables ....................................................................................................................... 12 List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... 13 Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................... 14 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 20 References .............................................................................................................. 25 CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY........................ 27 1.1 National setting ................................................................................................ 27 1.1.1 Education .......................................................................................... 28 1.1.2 Higher education ..............................................................................29 1.2 Riyadh and its libraries ....................................................................................29 1.2.1 The National Library ........................................................................30 1.2.2 Academic libraries ...........................................................................31 1.2.3 Special libraries ................................................................................34 1.2.4 Public Libraries ................................................................................ 37 1.2.5 School libraries ................................................................................. 38 References .............................................................................................................. 40 CHAPTER TWO: THE STUDY...................................................................................41 2.1 Statement of the problem ................................................................................41 2.2 The need for the study ..................................................................................... 41 2.3 Statement of purposes ...................................................................................... 42 2.4 Research questions .......................................................................................... 42 2.5 Limitations ....................................................................................................... 43 2.6 Definitions of terms ......................................................................................... 43 2.7 Methodology and procedures ..........................................................................45 2.7.1 The questionnaire .............................................................................46 2.7.2 Population and sampling technique .................................................46 2.7.3 The interviews .................................................................................. 47 2.7.4 Statistical analysis ............................................................................ 48 2.7.5 The literature survey ........................................................................ 48 References ...............................................................................................................50